All Blacks captain Tana Umaga sidelined – Super Rugby update
Tana Umaga, the All Blacks captain has been called off from the Super Rugby round two-squad of Waikato Chiefs, this weekend. The experienced, 37-year-old All Black made a comeback to Super Rugby after a long term break of four years.
Last weekend, Chiefs lost the opening match by 28-20 to ACT Brumbies though. Umaga didn’t have much role to play in that match and now has been replaced by Dwayne Sweeny for the coming Friday’s fixture against Otago Highlanders.
Umaga had to pay price of giving a sloppy start to Chiefs in their Super Rugby opening fixture and has been dropped now. The All Black star will be benched in Dunedin for the first for reasons other than injury.
Talking about these sudden changes, the coach Ian Foster said, “"We are keen to build on our second half performance from last week's game as we travel to our second away match at Carisbrook.”
The Chiefs will be taking an evidently different side to the field Fter learning the lesson and made a few more changes. A total of eight changes have been implemented by Ian Foster to the Chief’s losing side.
Alongside his fellow All Black Mike Delany, Donald is also in the reserves and are being given a vital role for the important clash against Highlanders at Carisbrook. Highlanders are in good from after defeating Hurricanes last Friday with style.
Jackson Wilson is among those who will be in the starting line-up as a centre, after being benched last Friday. Tim Nanai, the young utility back has also been dropped, but due to injury. Nanai’a absence made sure the all Black’s wing, Leila Masaga, who
will be appearing as the right wing.
Another injury that struck Chief’s side is of Craig Clarke, the lock, who suffered through a head injury. Fritz Lee, the number eight is another victim and has been ruled out due to a knee injury. Romana Graham is also on a rest after undergoing severe cramps
attack after the last Friday’s loss at Canberra.
To fill in for all these vacancy at the blind side, number eight Liam Messam has been called back alongside Scott Waldrom.
Isaac Ross, the former Crusaders lock, will be appearing for the first time in Super Rugby for Chiefs. Hayden Triggs also get s a chance to be in first fifteen after being benched in Canberra. Toby smith has been called on field as a loose head, while prop
Ben May will be sidelined because of it.
Foster said, “We have taken into account the significant travel and the six day turn around and have made some changes accordingly.”
Before going to the deep South, the coach mentioned his grievances and condolences to the earthquake victims of that region. He said, “Our condolences go out to the residents of Christchurch as we too have players with families there.”
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