Concussion concerns rule Palu out of South Africa tour

Peter, I doubt it very much you ever played rugby. Your comments are always the same that Palu has done nothing for 10 years, but yet you don't bring anything to support your opinion. "Fact is – PALU’s lack of form in TEST rugby is no different before, or after his latest concussion." I guess you didn't watch the the third test against France this year when Palu got Man Of The Match?? "And if he’s been playing injured in 2014 and kept it secret then that would certainly be letting your team mates, country and fans down. That’s not showing mongrel – it’s just dumb." Everyone that watched the super rugby final saw Palu get knocked out cold. Now it doesn't make sense to me, because if you get a concussion in MMA that's an automatic 6 month suspension from any kind of contact whatsoever. & if Palu let's his team mates down. Then why did he get second in the John Eales medal count (only playing a handful of tests) & this year's Matthew Burke cup. Awards which are voted by his TEAM MATES?? Nathan Sharpe Australia's most capped lock, rated Palu as one of the two best number 8's his ever played with, the other was Toutai Kefu. Those who play rugby know the value Palu brings to the team. Unless you have a personal vendetta against the bloke?

Haha - I played for 20 yrs including in a Shute Shield Club and later became a coach. I was concussed several times. I've managed my own injuries and those of many players I've coached - but this irrelevant. Fact is - PALU's lack of form in TEST rugby is no different before, or after his latest concussion. It was the same last year & the past 10 yrs over 50 Tests as it was in the 2014 Rugby Championship. He's been running around a rugby field for australia and doing very little (injured or not) for 10 yrs. Same Mr Invisible And if he's been playing injured in 2014 and kept it secret then that would certainly be letting your team mates, country and fans down. That's not showing mongrel - it's just dumb. And I'm not celebrating his injury. I'm just happy he's not eligible to be picked again. He's Australia's biggest single weakness and has been for 10 yrs.

Fair go Firstxv - Peter Hughes did not even touch on that of which you accuse him. That is a fact.

Yeah the difference in TPN's scrummaging leadership compared to Hanson's was noticeable against the Pumas. After Moore and TPN it's a decent drop down to the next tier.

@ Jameswm : exactly. Palu gave it all to club and has nothing left for country. not just him , Simmons Fardy AAC all look tired, not the same efficieny.

"And respect? Where’s PAlU’s respect ? – with such low work rate, lack of mongrel, lack of heart, lack of effort every time the pressure goes on – he’s the one lacking respect for country, team mates & fans imo." If you had ever Played the game Peter Hughes & been knocked out, you would understand that it takes someone with a bit of mongrel & heart to get back up & keep playing. Obviously Palu hasn't been 100% percent after being knocked out cold in the super rugby final. If you had been knocked out, like I have playing the game, & consistently back it up & play week in week out without the proper rest. Every time you take the ball into contact or you get a little knock you see stars. & you feel like your in a drunken state where your reaction time & reflexes, balance, speed, are off.. The problem I have is why was Palu allowed to play in the rugby championship in the 1st place? Does anyone know what the protocol is for players who have been knocked out is?? I mean didn't Kieran Read take a lengthy brake after suffering from concussion symptoms in the super rugby season? Seems like NZ know how to look after there players much better than we do.

Pretty sad Peter Hughes. Your view of him as a player is just that. Your own view. It is not fact. But to celebrate someones concussion as a way of supporting your view leaves you with no credibility as a rugby fan and says a lot about your character.

hehe - "look at the STATS" you say. "Disrespect" you say. It's exactly because of the pathetic stats Palu has been chalking up at TEST level for 10 yrs that I make my comments. He's been the THE worst performing No 8 in TEST Rugby for 10 yrs - Mr Invisible" literally. And respect? Where's PAlU's respect ? - with such low work rate, lack of mongrel, lack of heart, lack of effort every time the pressure goes on - he's the one lacking respect for country, team mates & fans imo. Forget his Super Rugby form - irrelevant. He's had over 50 Tests to prove he's Mr Invisible" at TEST level

bring in Auelua for the Tour.

Peter Hughes have you ever been knocked out before?

Palu is a Mr Nobody..........because nobody knows where he goes in the big games The call Ewan McKenzie "link", they should call Palu "missing". He doesn't even rate in test rugby, unless its a team outside the top 10.

If Palu's a spent force, how come his super season was so strong? Best he's played for about 3 years. Why? I think it's because he got his hamstring and glute issues sorted and could run freely. You're suggesting he's tired after the super season? Nah, I think he's got niggles. Hopefully he's back at 100% when he overcomes his concussion.

too true Palu does a lot of work but his line breaking feats are a thing of the past. Just like Genia , Palu is a shadow of himself from a few years back. infact the statement ".. about 4 enforcers in the pack Palu being the main man. (other enforcers, Pots , Douglas and Skelton) " shows the plight of OZ rugger . Only guy who comes close to an international test class enforcer is JackPot. Palu is a spent force. Others are simply not that good. Compared to enforces like Retallick Kaino Albers Etzebeth even Fernandez Lobbe Leguzimon Lavanini. Palu had a good super season, but in playing that he seems to have lost all gas, and now running on empty. He is very injury prone and needs to be managed better. In fact this enforced rest will be good for the next round of European tests.

Are you asking yourself a question there Buzzard? Not sure enough of yourself to make a statement? I'd take 40 mins of their work over 80 minutes of mediocrity.

No heart? I realise this is an anonymous chat site, but the disrespect here is astonishing. Look at the stats. Palu does a HEAP of work - he's only invisible to uneducated rugby fans who can't appreciate work in tight. Seriously - you wouldn't be fit to tie the guy's shoelaces.

They only play 40mins each so they won't be missed?

You are joking right? Palu maybe good a Super rugby level but at test match level he is MUD! Too soft, weak minded, no heart.

I fear the same. But quite frankly I don't think it would make much difference with them there. We would still be in trouble. The Argies will definitely be believing in their first win in the RC, and the Boks will be looking to put us to the sword for pipping them in Aus. A game they no doubt believe they should have won.

We are stuffed without Palu. He is the only enforcer in this pack. Why did the tahs win the s15 cause we had about 4 enforcers in the pack Palu being the main man. (other enforcers, Pots , Douglas and Skelton)

Agreed. Player health first.