Blues lose out on Anthony Boric for the 2011 Super Rugby semi-final
Three-times Super Rugby champion’s Blues chances for a repeat suffered a major blow as their international lock, Anthony Boric, has been ruled out of their weekend clash against the Reds.
The Auckland based Super Rugby franchise’s team doctor, Stephen Kara, has confirmed on Monday, June 27 that Boric will miss Saturday’s important fixture. The All Blacks international lock sustained a foot injury during the Blues Friday, June 24 encounter
against the Waratahs. Blues defeated Waratahs 26 – 13 for their first Super Rugby semi-final berth in four seasons. Blues last played in the Super Rugby Semifinals in 2007. Anthony Boric was taken off the field during the 71st minute of the game
as Chris Smylie substituted for Boric in the game.
Reds will host the Blues in the first semi-final of the 2011 Super Rugby Championship on Saturday, July 2 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Blues head coach Pat Lam is yet to announce his squad for Saturday’s clash. However, he has confirmed that his game plan
for their must win match against the Reds excludes the experienced Boric.
While talking to reporters, Lam commented, “Already I’m preparing to be without him (Boric), which is a big loss to us.”
Providing the details of the tests performed on the player, Kara confirmed that X-Rays of the injured Boric’s foot were performed and revealed no fracture in the foot. However, they did reveal a mid-foot strain.
To determine the exact nature of the injury, specialists have advised an MRI scan. When asked about the recovery time for the injury, Kara replied, “It’s too difficult to tell, but there is some reassurance it’s not a bad strain. It could be anything from
two weeks to six months because he might need surgery and be out for six months.”
Additionally, if surgery is required as treatment for the injury, then the Boric will have to sit out of the All Blacks 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign as well. In this case, the rehabilitation time will take up-to six months. In addition to this, the injury
for now has ruled Boric out of the upcoming Tri Nations tournament.
The combination of Boric and Ali Williams has been the corner stone of the Blues game plan in this season. However, it’s yet to be seen whether Chris Lowrey can fill the void left by Boric and deliver the goods for Blues in the crunch time semi-final game.
In other news, Blues are strengthened by the return of their wingers Joe Rokocoko and Lachie Munro who have recovered from their respective injuries sustained during last weekend’s game.
It’s expected that Lam will announce his squad by Wednesday or Thursday. Blues will leave for Brisbane on Thursday, June 30.
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