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Fresh injury setback for Read 10 views 0 Images
12 July 2012 by Englandfan
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The Crusaders’ hopes of pushing on for the Super Rugby title have been dealt a major blow following the news that influential number-eight Kieran Read has suffered a fresh injury setback.
The All Blacks star damaged his ribs during the Crusaders’ 28-21 victory against fellow title challengers the Chiefs, and several rugby previews say there are severe doubts surrounding the 26-year-old’s availability.
The signs don’t look good for the All Blacks forward, which could leave the Canterbury franchise now facing the prospect of going into the play-offs without their star back-rower.
After pelvic and ankle injuries, along with his recent spell on the sidelines with concussion, the past 12 months have seen Read carry more than his fair share of fitness problems.
Crusaders captain Richie McCaw admits that the pack could finish the season without their number-eight, and admits that losing a player of Read’s quality is a massive blow to the squad at this point of the campaign.
"I think he's done a rib so I don't think he'll be back in the next week or so,” said McCaw, whose name has featured heavily in several in-play betting markets this season.
"He provides so much, especially with ball in hand, he is a real threat. He gets the ball over the advantage line so having him back was huge.
“But his leadership as well, he's pretty calm and does pretty well at lineout time.”
Before thinking about the play-offs, the Crusaders will need to wrap up the regular season with victory against the Western Force to secure their place in the end-of-season finals.
The Kiwis have certainly been one of the most consistent sides in Super Rugby this year and will be desperate not to let the loss of Read knock them off track.
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