NSW Waratahs winger Lachie Turner’s torn hamstring looks set to require surgery that may rule him out of the entire 2012 Super Rugby season.
This would be a crushing loss to the Tahs’ already-threadbare backline, with Drew Mitchell also extremely unlikely to line up in the Waratahs’ round one clash with the Reds, the loss of the lightning-quick Turner would be crippling to a backline still coming to grips with the loss of playmaker Kurtley Beale.
It has been reported on Monday morning that scans on the ruptured hamstring, suffered in NSW’s 83-5 demolition of Samoa on Friday night, indicate the 24-year-old Wallabies winger will be required to go under the knife and could miss as much as nine months of rugby.
Turner was forcefully cleaned out of a ruck by two opposition players, with the force of the hit tearing his hamstring upon impact.
The likely absence of the two Wallabies wingers means that Michael Foley would have to call on the likes of youngsters Tom Kingston, Brackin Karauria-Henry and Nathan Trist for the two wing positions, although Adam Ashley-Cooper could shift from fullback to fill one of the spots.
Turner has become one of the premier wingers in the competition due to a combination of raw pace, skill and athleticism and the long-term effects of such a serious injury at a relatively young age is of great concern.
The full picture should become clearer later today when the results of the scans are released publicly, with both Waratahs and Wallabies officials nervously awaiting the outcome.
jameswm
Guest
I'd put AAC and Horne in the centres and Bernard Foley at 15. He's got more room to move back there. The selectors though will choose AAC at 15 and Carter and Horne in the centres - more of a traditional look. Yes Pakalani is listed in the Tahs squad, and they also have BKH and Kingston. Replacing Turner with Pakalani - yes Turner's better, but not an enormous loss. As long as that's all.
jameswm
Guest
As harsh as it is to say - I would rather Turner get injured than Robinson, TPN, Kepu, Timani, Vickerman, Elsom, Alcock, Palu, Pretorius, Barnes, Mitchell, AAC or Horne, and possibly even Dennis. Still - not a good start, esp after the injury woes the Tahs had in the 2nd half of last season.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
I believe Nasingayavi or Nadolo after his name change who couldn't get into the Tahs with Mitchell and Turner in front has found his way back to Japan after time in France and England. Opinions seem mixed on him and I can't add much to them.
B-Rock
Roar Guru
A real shame for Turner and the Tahs This may come accross as soft but what is the benefit of playing samoa B or C in a trial? Injury tolls always rise after playing the pac island teams and clearly the players selected offer little outside of big hits. Pakalani should start - leave the rest of the back line in tact - horne must be in the centers and AAC at either 15 or 13 (less depth at 15 though so greater need there)
Blinky Bill of Bellingen
Guest
Even though I rate Lachie highly, I have to agree with johnny-boy. I've been willing Lachie to bloody well back himself for years. Recently though I reckon I saw something different in him and reckon that 2012 was going to be his big year. Then along came this. Such is Rugby. Good luck with the rehab mate & I look forward to seeing you back in action asap. Having said that better take care not to rush back too soon. Those hammies seem tricky bastards to get right.
Mike G
Guest
I doubt this will impact the side that much...Turner is basically a finisher and the Tahs have a few of these in reserve...I'd be a LOT more concerned if it was a playmaker such as Barnes, much harder to replace.
jameswm
Guest
I'd look for a massive fast Islander winger to fill his spot. Or can you only have one overseas player (Pretorius)? And I feel for Turner - terrible luck for him.
Big Steve
Guest
Very bad luck for Tuner. Outside backs is Tahs weakness in depth. Some will joke wingers shouldnt be in rucks anyway but that would be inappropriate. Is pakalani still at the tahs?
johnny-boy
Guest
"Turner has become one of the premier wingers in the competition due to a combination of raw pace, skill and athleticism" - if only he would use it ! He could be very good but it seems he has been taught by the Tahs and Deans to just be ordinary. Maybe he will spend the time thinking about how to become a dynamic impact player.