Ben Lewis neck injury blow for Ospreys
The Ospreys have been rocked by a potentially horrific long-term injury to flanker Ben Lewis.
Lewis was taken off of the field in a neck brace during Ospreys' 38-6 Magners League win over Aironi. The club has confirmed that the injury is spinal related but nothing will be confirmed until later
this week.
"Given the symptoms, position and mechanism of the injury, we adopted a safety-first outlook that saw him taken from the field on a spinal board. We are now waiting to hear from the doctor, and will be
in a better position to provide a further update on his condition over the course of the next few days,"
head physiotherapist Chris Towers said.
The news will prompt a change in direction of tactics for Ospreys. This is because Lewis is a creative and key player that is integral to the attack of the side.
A big blow
Lewis is a very reliable member of the Ospreys team. He can control either flank of the pitch and this means the rest of the side does not have to worry about him. A less experienced player will now have
to come in.
This is a blow because the replacement player may need extra cover in the wide areas. If a flanker makes huge errors during play then there is space in behind him for the opposition to score.
Ospreys does not have to worry about Lewis because he is one of the best ball handlers in the club. The club will have to compensate for his absence by putting one or two extra bodies in behind the replacement
flanker.
"Let’s spare a thought for Ben Lewis, who did very, very well to get a start against Aironi. He’s been playing exceptionally well and you feel for the kid. He’s had a couple of major injuries and now he’s
picked up a neck problem,"
forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys added.
Betting advice
Ospreys has enough cover and quality to cope with Lewis' absence. Back his replacement to score in his first one or two games, if he comes back, because he'll be determined to make the most of an unexpected
chance.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/swansea-ospreys/2010/09/27/more-injury-horror-for-ospreys-ben-lewis-91466-27346499/#ixzz10iFFgUwV
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/swansea-ospreys/2010/09/27/more-injury-horror-for-ospreys-ben-lewis-91466-27346499/#ixzz10iE1nD8N
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/swansea-ospreys/2010/09/27/more-injury-horror-for-ospreys-ben-lewis-91466-27346499/#ixzz10iDwXvYl
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