Sonny Bill Williams adds to injury list of Crusaders - Super Rugby News
Sonny Bill Williams has become the latest casualty for the Crusaders a he fell prey to a knee injury during their previous match against the Cheetahs. The Crusaders are the worst injury hit side of the tournament after more than ten players have been sidelined
due to various on-field accidents. Williams’ injury is a real cause of concern for the Crusaders before the start of the 14th round of Super Rugby.
The New Zealander derby is currently placed in 4th position on the point’s table and they need to remain persistent to qualify for the semi final stages. Despite large scale injuries during the Super Rugby Championship, the Crusaders have played
up to the mark. However, they lost their previous match to the Cheetahs, played on 14th May, because of huge injury problems.
Sonny Bill Williams injury has occurred along with other key players of the side including Todd and Poff. Earlier, players like Andy Ellis, Sam Whitelock, Sean Maitland, Kahn Fotuali'i, and Adam Whitelock had already been ruled out from their forthcoming
clash against the Chiefs.
Crusaders coach, Todd Blackadder, confirmed Sonny Bill Williams injured status on Thursday May 19th and said that so far he is expected to miss the upcoming match because his knee will not heal in time. He further added, "It hasn't got any better.
They drained some fluid off it last night, but it's not worth the risk. By all accounts he'll be right for next week (against the table-topping Reds) so there's no way we want to compromise it."
Blackadder said that the only good news for the Crusaders was the return of Brad Thorn who had been suffering from a calf injury the last few games. He further said that only fully fit players would be included in the coming matches. He asserted, "We can't
afford to take anyone away who is not 100 percent because this is going to be a demanding game. We know we're going into a fight here and it will be a tough contest. These New Zealand derbies always are, but we're ready for it and looking forward to it."
The Crusaders will take on the Chiefs in their next Super Rugby match on 21st May in Napier.
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