The Brumbies’ win over the Highlanders has come at a cost, with Stephen Larkham’s men losing three influential players, including Wallabies star Len Ikitau, ahead of an important run of matches in Australia.
He isn’t the only player to be ruled out of Friday’s clash against Moana Pasifika either, with outside back Andy Muirhead also suffering a knee injury that will see him miss the next three fixtures.
Wallabies prop Blake Schoupp will also miss the home clash against Moana Pasifika, but the 25-year-old may be back in time to take on arch-rivals the Waratahs on April 6.
The update that Schoupp could return ahead of their bye will be a relief to many because it was feared last year’s breakout star might miss a large chunk of the season after coming off the field after 34 minutes during the 27-21 win in Dunedin with a shoulder injury.
Indeed, Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham told reporters that “initial thoughts are it is pretty bad”.
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The Brumbies hope Blake Schoupp could be fit to take on the Waratahs after suffering a shoulder injury during their win over the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium on March 16, 2024. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
But a Monday afternoon scan revealed it was an AC issue, which is welcomed news for the Brumbies who are still without inspirational skipper Allan Alaalatoa.
Larkham had earlier told reporters that Ikitau and Muirhead were also set to miss the next couple of weeks with knee ligament issues.
“Andy Muirhead came off with a bit of blood, but also picked up a knee injury as well and is most likely not available this week and most likely out for a couple of weeks,” Larkham said.
“Len Ikitau, also with a knee, is probably slightly worse than Andy, so not expecting him to be right this week nor next week.”
The absence of the trio will stretch the Brumbies’ depth ahead of an important string of matches last year’s semi-finalists will have targeted heading into their bye.
With Schoupp sidelined, Larkham will likely promote James Slipper back into the starting side for Schoupp, while Fred Kaihea and Harry Vella are vying for their first minutes of the year.
Ollie Sapsford will likely be recalled to the starting side, while Hudson Creighton and Declan Meredith will both likely feature prominently too.
In better news, Larkham said Tom Hooper was “100 per cent fit” despite initial fears around an eye socket injury.
Len Ikitau will miss up to a month of action with a knee injury. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
The Brumbies aren’t taking Moana Pasifika lightly after the Super Rugby newbies surprised the Western Force in Perth to register their second win of the season.
“They’ve had two wins this season, they’re playing much better rugby this year than they did last year,” Larkham said.
Elsewhere, the Reds will be without Isaac Henry for the rest of the season after the rising centre suffered a devastating knee injury against the Rebels last weekend.
“This has been some of the most enjoyable rugby I’ve been involved in for a long time, so there’s double disappointment to miss out on what is still ahead for the Reds,” Henry said in a statement.
Hunter Paisami is expected to return for the Reds after missing the past fortnight following a concussion suffered against the Hurricanes.
Cannonball
Roar Rookie
I do :thumbup:
Dualcode
Roar Rookie
Huge loss for the Reds here, and those injuries definitely testing Brumbies depth although they may have capable replacements.
Ray
Roar Rookie
I am wanting to see Harry Vella as well. Happy with Tua at inside centre and very pleased to see Darcy Swain given the responsibilities for the lineouts that haven't been working well.
Mirt
Roar Rookie
Amazing there haven’t been leaks published everywhere by now.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Gee, I hope so. The return of AAA will be important at the pointy end. Heard he is expected back after the next 3 games.
Honest Max
Roar Rookie
Hamish Stewart has no form but a few very loyal fans.
Footy Franks
Roar Rookie
Who cares they are dead and buried
Footy Franks
Roar Rookie
The Brumbies have a great pack. They will be a top 4 side, well balanced and like NZ build and get better.
W Evans
Roar Rookie
Read that it is his patella tendon. Hugely sad for all of us but can’t imagine what he’s thinking - such a talent.
Hoy
Roar Guru
Isaac Henry was looking VERY good too. Sad shame, as he was injured last year too wasn't he?
Markus
Roar Rookie
I haven't seen any of Anderson but hear good things. I thought he was a 13 more than 12, would love to see him get time at 12 if he is as nobody had nailed the role yet. Sapsford works hard but doesn't excel at anything, Tua bends the line well but has errors in the rest of his game.
In From The Side
Roar Rookie
Yep and for me it was Henry
Cannonball
Roar Rookie
No mention of how the RA-Rebels meeting went yesterday?
Bobby
Roar Rookie
3 weeks for an AC. And that's a prop. Needle and a week is all that's needed ! Shame about Len and Andy, both valuable players.
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
Awful news for Zac Henry who was in great form.
Aussie D
Roar Rookie
His form was fantastic and as you suggested he has a low error rate. Think it was between him and Hamish Stewart as to who was the most in-form Australian inside centre in the competition.
AppyShane
Roar Rookie
Zac Henry is almost everything Qld and Australian rugby desperately needed in a centre. Massive loss for both.
Otago Man
Roar Rookie
His straight line running as well as his other skills was what was needed for the Reds and maybe the Wallabies. Low error rate too. Real pity.
In From The Side
Roar Rookie
A real shame. I was actually thinking he was the form 12 for the Australian teams. Nothing flashy, but just does everything well on both attack and defence. Hope he recovers well
1997 Brumbies
Roar Rookie
Meredith has looked sharp I think, would love to see Austin Anderson get a crack (he's looks like a long term Aus qualified 12 prospect) and keen to see Vella, plenty of hype around his progress.