Hurricanes, the front-row injury leaders in Super Rugby, are struggling.
Wellington (AFP) – The Super Rugby leaders Wellington Hurricanes are down to their fourth-choice hooker ahead of their home match against the NSW Waratahs on Friday due to a front-row injury crisis.
The Hurricanes’ eight-game winning streak came to an end last Saturday when they lost 27-19 to the ACT Brumbies. Despite this setback, they are still one point ahead of the Auckland Blues in second place.
Due to a knee injury, All Blacks hooker Asafo Aumua was sidelined last week for a maximum of two months.
His substitute James O’Reilly was then injured during Saturday’s loss.
Jacob Devery, the third-choice hooker, was already dealing with a chronic injury.
Tyler Bleyendaal, the assistant coach for the Hurricanes, told reporters, “We’re losing bodies in one or two positions.”
“We need to bring guys in because we will be tested a lot at Hooker.”
Raymond Tuputupu, a junior international for New Zealand, has been elevated from the broader training group.
On Friday, he will play in just his third Super Rugby match after taking O’Reilly’s place against the Brumbies.
Kianu Kereru-Symes, a hooker for Hawke’s Bay club, has been brought in as a replacement.
The Hurricanes have a difficult final stretch leading up to the June play-offs, with games against the Blues and Waikato Chiefs scheduled for the following month.
It is imperative that we take note ofour shortcomings against the Brumbies, as it will be crucial in the closing stages of
“We’re going to have to address some of those issues if we hope to compete seriously in the playoffs.”
