Rugby Update: Rocky Elsom injured- Blow for Brumbies
Brumbies have been jolted by an enormous blow just before their Super Rugby season, when they found out that their star flanker Rocky Elsom has been ruled out. Elsom has been sidelined just before round 5 of European cup due to a hamstring Injury. The Australian superstar and powerhouse has been under supervision of physiotherapist and struggled to overcome this injury, but so far no positive results. He alongside Stephen Hoiles, who has Achilles and back issues, will be sidelined for a lot more than a while.
However, while the Australian skipper has been confirmed to miss the early season, Andy Friend the Brumbies coach has insisted on a hope that Hoiles will be fit and ready in time for the tournament. Andy Friend is looking forward to the opening match against Waikato Chiefs on 19th February without Rocky Elsom, who has proved to be the backbone of the team on field.
Friend is concerned and narrow-eyed about this matter, because injury didn’t seem to be as serious as it has turned out to be. He disappointedly said, “We won't see him before round five.”
Rocky Elsom is an Australian Rugby union player and captain of the national elite squad. He is the most celebrated and decorated Australian Rugby players and is known by many names by fans like Rocky, Rocko and Big Rock. He is young and one of the fastest players on the Wallabies side. Elsom has appeared 50 times for Australia internationally as a flanker, lock and number 8. He has been honoured with Wallaby player of the Year in 2008, Herald Super 14 player of the Year in 2007, European player of the Year in 2009 and was included in 2010 European Cup Hall of Fame.
Elsom will be missing the first four games and will return in late March to play against NSW Waratahs. Friend gave his review and believes that the flanker should be given maximum time to improve his fitness. He said, “It needs rest. Given the year he's got ahead of him, we'd be silly to push him this early.” He added, “He's keen to come back and play, we're keen to get him to come back and play, but we have to realise he's got a pretty serious injury and he has to look after it.”
If both Elsom and Hoiles fail to make it before the round one, then Giteau will be given the captaincy for Brumbies. Keeping in mind that there is no time frame for Elsom’s recovery, Giteau might get a chance.
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