Auckland loses Benson Stanley for at least three weeks as ITM Cup campaign suffers setback - Rugby
New Zealand Rugby Union’s (NZRU) provincial rugby union side, Auckland, has suffered a major blow for their 2011 ITM Cup chances after they lost their experienced centre Benson Stanley due to injury. Stanley sustained a head concussion in their Sunday, July 17 encounter against the Canterbury at Eden Park.
According to the statement released by the club, Stanley has been ruled out from the game for next three to four weeks.
Earlier in the year, during the 2011 Super Rugby competition, Stanley sustained a similar head injury in the Blues encounter against the eventual 2011 Super XV winners, Reds.
The Australian born Stanley made his debut for Auckland during the 2003/04 season at the age of 19 against the Southland. The 26-year-old Stanley has so far made 45 on field appearances for Auckland and has scored 15 points. He made his Super Rugby debut for Blues against fellow New Zealand conference Super Rugby franchise Chiefs during the 2008 season. He has made over 20 Super Rugby appearances to date.
Stanley made his international debut for the All Blacks against the visiting Ireland national rugby union’s team on June 12, 2010. He so far has played three international games.
Stanley weighs 98 kg and is 1.84 tall has a history of head concussions. However, the repeated occurrences of the injury at such an important body part have raised an alarm for the All Blacks international centre.
Club officials have shown their concern regarding the nature of the injury to the All Blacks international. Officials at club have been quoted saying, “Auckland doctor Stephen Kara believes Stanley could face a lengthier period than usual on the sidelines and will be monitored closely.”
In addition to this, Auckland’s winger Francis Saili has sustained a broken hand. He has been left out of the squad for their next encounter against Otago.
Auckland head coach Mark Anscombe has named a relatively young and inexperienced squad following the injuries and unavailability of several of their key players because of All Blacks duty.
Mark Anscombe is relying heavily on the Chris Lowrey, Daniel Braid, Josh Townsend, Hadleigh Parkes and Gareth Anscombe performances to register their first win of the tournament over Otago in their second 2011 ITM Cup encounter.
The Auckland squad announced for their clash against Otago includes:
Hadleigh Parkes, Joe Rokocoko, Teddy Stanaway, Winston Stanley, Viliame Waqaseduadua, Gareth Anscombe, Toby Morland, Chris Lowrey, Daniel Braid (c), Seran Polwart, Josh Townsend, Richard Haddon, Angus Ta'avao, Ash Dixon, Tevita Mailau. Reserves: Tom McCartney, Pauliasi Manu, Nathan Hughes, Onosa'i Auva'a, Auvasa Faleali'i, Piers Francis, George Moala, Charlie Faumuina.
Tags: