The Casualty Ward Rd 10

The Concussions are back! We had a few weeks of rest but the norm returns this week as a number of players suffered concussion. Add to this the fact that many more players are due back for Rd 11 and you can't afford not to read the Casualty Ward this week!

You can listen to episode 9 of our weekly @FantasyXVDraft podcasts from Tuesday morning (AEST) as Cargie, Harry and Nabung wrap up the fantasy week just gone and look on to whats ahead this week. Get amongst it at the following places (Links to be released from Tuesday): Soundcloud:                                                       Itunes:                                                       Stitcher:

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Returned from Injuries in Rd 10:

Tyler Ardron (Chiefs) - Failed his fitness test before Rd 9  with a concussion, back to his barnstorming best this week agains the Reds. Brad Weber (Chiefs) - Fractured wrist against the Highlanders. Came back off the bench this week, looks to have real competition for his starting spot. Owen Franks (Crusaders) – Achilles rupture in September for NZ, started against the Sunwolves and got straight back into his work. Israel Dagg (Crusaders) – Knee Injury from 2017. Made his comeback on the wing in Rd 10 but didn't get much of an opportunity to run.

Henry Speight (Brumbies) - Ruled out before kick off Rd 8 with a knee injury he has being carrying this season. Seemed full of running again this week. George Smith (Reds) – Came back from a disc replacement surgery via the bench this week. Ben Lucas (Reds) - Back from concussion to start at halfback this week. Still not sure why he is playing there though. Taniela Tupou (Reds) - Left shoulder injury in Rd 8, looked solid on his return this week. Reece Hodge (Rebels) - Played inside centre after recovering from his hamstring injury. Kenki Fukuoka (Sunwolves) - Recovered from knee surgery and took his spot on the wing. Didn't get to make much of an impact so now he could be stuck in the outside back merry go round that is the Sunwolves.

Rohan Janse Van Rensburg (Lions) - Finally came back on the bench this week and played 18 minutes. Madosch Tambwe (Lions) - Had no problems with his quad cork this week. Dillon Smit (Lions) - Had a rib cartilage injury but didn't show the affects of it. Dewaldt Duvenage (Stormers) - Back at halfback after recovering from his rib injury.

[getty src="644847836" width="594" height="384" tld="com.au"] George Smith made his long awaited comeback this week. Credit Getty Images.

New Injuries Rd 10:

Siate Tokolahi (Highlanders) - Hyper extended his right knee getting chop tackled. These tackles have always been a bit suspect. Grade 2 tear to his MCL (inside ligament) has him out for an expected 4-6 weeks. Ben Funnell (Crusaders) - Came off looking very sore with a knee injury. Tough to take for the big man and equally tough for his fantasy owners that were looking for a big one weeker from him against the Sunwolves. May be out for some time. Source here. Tom Sanders (Crusaders) - Needed two people to help him off the field to what looked like a knee injury. Also no chance for this week. May be out for some time. Damien McKenzie (Chiefs) - He may have recovered from his hip injury but he has a new concern, come off with a head knock against the Reds. Sean Wainui (Chiefs) - Came off with a shoulder injury. Sounds like he is in doubt for this week. Ofa Tu'ungafasi (Blues) - Came off late with a knee injury. TJ Faiane (Blues) - Out for at least two weeks with an ankle sprain. Source here. Kara Pryor (Blues) - Took a knock during the game last week, bracketed to play this week if he comes through contract on thursday. Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues) - Struggling with illness all week, Umaga has decided to give him an All Blacks rest week.

James Slipper (Reds) - Apparently was struggling with a sternoclavicular injury during the week. Was battling to start the game and ended up only lasting 19 minutes. Didn't recover in time for this week so should be back after their Rd 12 bye. Source here. Jono Lance (Reds) - Came off with concussion. Did not recover in time for Rd 11. Dane Haylett-Petty (Rebels) – Came back from his sickening concussion from Rd 5 but didn't last too long. I thought with a shoulder injury but it might be a concussion. Either way he isn't playing this week. Adam Coleman (Rebels) - Shoulder knock early, played on for a while but came off at half time with concussion. Named to start this week. Source here. Ross Haylett-Petty (Rebels) - Came off during half time with concussion. Not named to play this week. Jordan Uelese (Rebels) - Came off with an elbow injury. Not named to play this week. Anaru Rangi (Rebels) - I'm still not convinced he was injured, looked like cramp but i'd read that maybe he was. David Pocock (Brumbies) - Has a calf "strain" and won't play this week. Generally the word strain is only used for really low grade injuries so he should be back after their bye next week. Source here.

Chiliboy Ralepelle (Sharks) - Subbed at half time despite passing a head injury assessment during his first spell. Stephan Lewies (Sharks) - Pulled pregame, not sure why. Pierre Schoeman (Bulls) - Not technically an injured but he has been cited for allegedly biting a Rebels player. UPDATE 24/4: Banned for six weeks! Source here. Lionel Mapoe (Lions) - Pulled midweek with a groin injury, won''t play Rd 11. Pablo Matera (Jaguares) - Suffered a shoulder "sprain and bicep tendon injury" just before half time, stayed off the field after the break. UPDATE 24/4: He has now been flown home to have scans to investigate the severity of his injury. Ramiro Moyano (Jaguares) - Looked like a serious neck injury. Got his head caught on the wrong side of a tackle and then ended up being sent off on a spinal board. The source above says he suffered "bruising" and is in doubt for Rd 11. Apparently he is still a possibility to play Rd 11 although he hasn't trained early in the week.

[getty src="949382840" width="594" height="396" tld="com.au"] Ben Funnell came off early against the Sunwolves. Credit Getty Images.

Likely back for this week (Rd 11):

Sam Henwood (Hurricanes) - Concussion early in Rd 9 , with Ardie Savea expected back the best we could see him get is a bench spot. Ardie Savea (Hurricanes) - Came off with what looked like some very sore ribs in Rd 6. Has now missed three weeks, surely back after the bye. Nehe Milner-Skudder (Hurricanes) – Shoulder reconstruction – Apparently he will either start on the bench this week or play for the 'Canes development side. Source here. Toni Pulu (Chiefs) - Shoulder injury during training before Rd 8, out for at least 2 weeks and now may be available this week. Shaun Stevenson (Chiefs) – Injured his knee in the Rd 3 pregame warm up. UPDATE before Rd 6 – He has had a clean up (arthroscopy) and is expected out for 4-6 weeks (Rd 10-12). Taleni Seu  (Chiefs) - Limped off half an hour into the game against the Hurricanes in Rd 9. Apparently his back niggle has flared up again and he is expected to be out for 1-2 weeks. Source here. Augustine Pulu (Blues) – Came off with a foot injury six weeks ago. Expected return was around Rds 9-10 but now bracketed this week. Gerard Cowley-Tuioti (Blues) - Named to start after overcoming a knee injury. Joshua Goodhue (Blues) - Came off at half time Rd 9 with an AC joint injury. Expected to be out for a month (Rd 13) but he has been named to start in Rd 11. Jordan Taufua (Crusaders) - Wasn't in the squad against the Jaguares a few weeks ago but sounds like he should be back this week. Source here. Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders) – Broken jaw which required surgery. Apparently a 50/50 chance of playing this week. Source here. Wyatt Crockett (Crusaders) - Came off with a concussion in Rd 7. Pulled late from Rd 10 for the same thing so should start this week..

Lolo Fakaosilea (Brumbies) - 16/4 - Played club footy with Ben Alexander last week, could be back in the mix this week. Source here. Yu Tamura (Sunwolves) - Listed on their website as concussed. Not named to play. Shota Horie (Sunwolves) - Listed on their website as concussed. Not named to play.

Travis Ismael (Bulls) – Pulled pregame with a back strain. Apparently he is doing much better and should play Rd 9. Tim Agaba (Bulls) - Pulled pregame Rd 7 with tonsillitis. Sounds like he didn't need surgery so he should play Rd 9. Nicholas De Jager (Bulls) – Fractured rib in Rd 4 – coach says he will be right for Rd 9. Jamba Ulengo (Bulls) – Ongoing Patella Tendon issue- Had a small operation in Sweden and now expected to be out for 8 weeks (16th April). This would be Rd 10 after their bye. Frans Malherbe (Stormers) – Preseason neck injury. Should be in contention for selection in Rd 10 after their bye. Sounds like the coaches plan will be to rotate him with Louw much like Kitshoff and JC. Cobus Wiese (Stormers) - Tore his hamstring against the Bulls in Rd 7. Comes back via the bench this week. Source here. Seabelo Senatla (Stormers) – Tore his groin  in round 3. Back on the bench this week. Sergeal Petersen (Stormers) – Injured his MCL (knee) up for Western Province & has been sidelined for four months.  Sounds like he will be available earlier than first thought, for Rd 10. Source here. Jeremy Ward (Sharks) – Playing for the development side on the weekend so if he is going to get a spot on the bench it should be this week. Cyle Brink (Lions) - Has a 'nerve entrapment' and had to come off in the 31st minute. On the bench this week.

[getty src="918450252" width="594" height="396" tld="com.au"] Ardie Savea should finally make his comeback from a rib injury this week. Credit Getty images.

Ongoing Injury List:

NEW ZEALAND Highlanders Richard Buckman – Aggravated an old neck/ nerve injury. Update 10/4: "He is still a few weeks away", definitely no commitment as to when we might see him again yet. Source here. Thomas Umaga-Jensen – Shoulder injury. Liam Squire – Fractured his thumb and will be out for up to six weeks. UPDATE 25/4 His fracture hasn't healed properly so they have had to reset the fracture and the six weeks starts all over again! Now expected to miss the France ceremony as well. That puts his comeback around early to mid June. Source here.

Hurricanes The Hurricanes this year won't play anyone that isn't fit to play fully on Monday of the game week. Dane Coles – ACL Start of December, return in “4-6 months” so probably getting a synthetic LARS graft. These have higher rupture rates. So he has a higher risk of reinjury and will probably be undercooked on return. AVOID. Alex Fidow – Fractured cheek, expected back round 8-10. Asafo Aumua - Wrist fracture I think in Rd 9, out for 12 weeks which apparently could put him back for Rd 19 so it must have been a bad one! TJ Perenara - Ruptured his MCL in Rd 8, could be out for anywhere from 2-8 weeks. My guess would be 6 weeks, this puts him at Rd 14. Sam Lousi - Pulled Pregame Rd 9 with a shoulder injury. Apparently he injured it on Wednesday and didn't recover enough to play. Wes Goosen - Broke his jaw against the Chiefs in Rd 9. This was found on his instagram of all places. I'm assuming he will be out for 6-8 weeks similar to the other broken jaws . This could have him back anytime from Rd 15 until after the international window for Rd 17. Thanks to @eddyVN for the tip off.

Chiefs Chiefs All Blacks all to miss the May 20th game against the Sharks while in camp. The Chiefs this year - "There was a team policy this year to give injured players an extra week to ensure they were fully fit." Mitchell Graham – Out for first 6 weeks, had screws removed from old leg fracture operation. No news and no idea when he will be back. Nepo Laulala – Fractured left forearm requiring surgery. Out for 8-12 weeks (30th April to 28th May). Kane Hames – No real info about his “mystery illness”. But i have read that maybe it is concussion. Sam McNicol – Recurrent Concussions – going through the normal protocols but who knows when he will be back. Crusaders Joe Moody  – Played club rugby coming back from his shoulder injury in Rd8. Fractured his finger through the skin which will keep him out for another 6 weeks. Source here. He should make a come back against the Blues or Hurricanes. Kieran Read – Coming back from 2017 back surgery. Originally tipped to play in Rd 10 after their bye it is not looking very ujnlikely. Apparently now no official date can be given on his return but he may well miss the international series as well. Not good! Oli Jager - Hurt his shoulder during training before the Lions game (Rd 7). Meant he gave up his spot on the bench to Chris king. Now waiting on scans to determine the damage. Jack Goodhue - Came off in the second half of Rd 7 with a hamstring tear. Probably won't play Rd 11 but should play the next week. Source here.

Blues Isaac Salmon – Elbow Sonny Bill Williams – Fractured his wrist in rd 5. out for 6-8 weeks so should be back between Rd 11-14. Still seen in a cast before Rd 10. Alex Hodgman – Injured his arm in rd 5 and has been flown home because he “won’t be fit for this week”.  No idea when he will be back but still not fit for round 8. Daniel Kirkpatrick - Rib injury. Jordan Trainor - Hand injury Melani Nanai - Rolled his ankle really early in the try fest against the Sharks in Rd 7. Had to be helped off the field, then was spotted on the sideline in a moon boot so it doesn't look good. Likely 6 weeks plus would be my guess. Jerome Kaino - Came off in Rd 8 with a hamstring injury. Didn't play the Sunwolves. Michael Collins - Broke his hand in Rd 9. Expected out for around 5 weeks which would be Rd 14. Source here. Blake Gibson – Shoulder injury, as of the 7th of March he was about seven weeks away. I expected him to play round 11 but still no dice! Caleb Clarke - Appendicitis.

AUSTRALIA Waratahs Izzy Folau - Tore his hamstring early in the game against the Brums in Rd 7. Announced on twitter that he is expected to miss 3-4 weeks. That makes him a chance to play the Lions in Rd 10, otherwise we will have to wait until Rd 12 after their bye. Jack Dempsey – Hamstring Injury – Originally targeted a Rd 9 but the coach says he isn't quite right so won't be rushed. The Foxsports podcast after Rd 9 said he could be as many as another 6 weeks!

Brumbies Rob Valentini – Medial ligament (knee) injury – Had surgery 28th Feb. Hopefully 6-8 weeks. Could be gone for 12 weeks! This would have his comeback date set at Round 14 away to the Lions. Lachlan McCaffrey - Came off in a world of hurt with a dislocated right elbow in Rd 8. I'd have thought he was out for a long time but word is he may only be 6 weeks. Source here.

Reds Karmichael Hunt – He may be back from his drug trial but Thorn says he hasn't being attending training for the Reds or even club footy. It sounds like his season is as good as done. Source here. Scott Higginbotham - Had to be supported off by two people with a calf injury rd 8. No return date set but i'd be surprised if he wasn't 4-6 weeks. Lukhan Tui - Has a knee injury from Rd 9, going for surgery so should be out for a while. Source here.

Rebels Will Genia - Came off with a hamstring injury in Rd 9. Scans have shown it is only a grade 1 tear, not on tour so we won't see him until Rd 12 at the earliest. Ben Daley - Shoulder injury, not on tour. Earliest we could see him would be Rd 12 then.

[getty src="940443556" width="594" height="416" tld="com.au"] Izzy Folau should be back after his bye this week.

SOUTH AFRICA Sharks Leolin Zas – Not coming back well from injury – flown to Switzerland to try and get better. BEAST - Pulled pregame with a groin strain missed Rd 9 and 10 so far. Kobus van Wyk - Came off injured after only a few minutes on the field in Rd 9. Michael Claassens (Sharks) – No word yet on a return date. Stormers Eben Etzebeth – Shoulder nerve injury originally expected back Rd 12. UPDATE: They are now hoping he will be back for the last game before the international break, Rd 15. Bongi Mbonambi – Burst appendix before Rd 1 – was expected to play Rd 5 but he has had a further operation and now won’t  be able to train for another 3 months! Now targeting roughly Rds 11-13. JD Schickerling – Suffered a torn pectoral muscle against the Crusaders, has been flown home from the tour. Out for four months so will be back after the international window. Juarno Augustus – progressing well from a long term injury. Justin Phillips - Broke 2 ribs in Rd 7 and will miss 6 weeks. Surely he will be the 3rd choice half back by then.

Lions Courtnall Skosan – ACL in January – Said to be back after their Australasian tour for rd 14. Ross Cronje – Rib injury. Thought to be cleared to tour with the team but has now been left at home, we won't see him until Rd 14. Aphiwe Dyantyi - UPDATE 17/4 - Originally thought to be available for Rd 10 after recovering from his pec muscle tear. He has not gone on tour due to a 'knee injury' (not sure that it is accurate with the injury) and won't be available until after their tour in Rd 14. Source here. Warren Whiteley – Left knee Grade 2 PCL injury in Rd 4. Originally named for Rd 10 but apparently felt a click during training on Monday and then his knee swelled up over night. Now pulled from the match day side and seeing an orthopaedic knee surgeon. My gut feeling is it sounds like he tore his meniscus, he could well go for a small op and be out for 2-6 weeks! Source 19/4 here. My suspicions were confirmed today when Whiteley was sent home.

Bulls Ruan Steenkamp – Knee – back mid feb? No news is coming out.. Franco Naude – Undergone shoulder surgery and will be out for four months from Rd 2 – Roughly Rd 15. Hanro Liebenberg - Injured his knee in Rd 9, sounds like an MCL injury. Getting scans this week, expected to be out for 6-8 weeks so he won't return until after the international break.

ARGENTINA/JAPAN Jaguares Tomás Cubelli – Fractured neck vertebra,Played with the Argentina XV team for week 10 of Super Rugby so should be back soon. Matías Moroni – Shoulder operation – didn't go on tour but has said in a video that he will be ready after their tour. This means we should see him in Rd 14. Source here.

Sunwolves Shinya Makabe – Sprained ankle. No word on a return date. Gerhard Van Den Heever – Groin pain – being managed. Jason Emery – Surgery for a broken thumb on Thursday 1st March out for 8-10 weeks. Keita Inagaki - Out for 4-6 weeks from Rd 9 with a knee injury. Source here. Kotaro Matsushima - Listed on their website as concussed before Rd 10. Apparently he has not recovered so they have flown him home from NZ so we may see him for their next home game in Rd 13. Willie Britz - Surprisingly had been asked to play for Japan A in Rd 10, copped a concussion and has now been sent home from the tour. Maybe back in Rd 13 but it sounds like he isn't being considered a starter with the good form of their loose forwards.

OUT FOR THE SEASON:

Otere Black (Blues) – ACL reconstruction Matt Johnson (Blues) - Season ending injury. No further information Scott Scrafton (Blues) - This isn't a new injury but its news to us! Scrafton has been ruled out for the season with an ACL tear. Glenn Preston (Blues)– Groin injury, out for the season. George Moala (Blues) - Pec muscle strain that will keep him out for the season. I assume that means he is having an operation to repair it. Reggie Goodes (Hurricanes) – Retired due to concussion Tim Nanai-Williams (Chiefs) – Injured shoulder in final trial against Brumbies – having surgery and will be out for the season. Atu Moli (Chiefs) – Had a complication with a quad haematoma which required surgery. Ruled out for the season. Mitchell Brown (Chiefs) – Ruptured ACL after round 5, had an operation and out for the season. Dominic Bird (Chiefs) – Ruled out for the season after having an operation on his shoulder. Fin Hoeata (Chiefs) – His shoulder needs a reconstruction so he will be out for the season. Aidan Ross (Chiefs) - Broke his ankle and had to be stretchered off the field. Gone for the season.

Quade Cooper (Reds) – unwanted by reds but still contracted – unlikely to see him play this season. Nick Frisby (Reds) – His services will not be needed. Markus Vanzati (Reds) – His services will not be needed. Ben McCalman (Waratahs) – 4th Fractured Scapula (Shoulder blade) in 2 years, Waratahs want a medical before signing him. Looks like they didn’t end up signing him. Josh Mann-Rea (Brumbies) – Tore his hamstring off the bone in round 4, has now had surgery and will be out for the season.

Coenie Oosthuizen (Sharks) – ACL reconstruction Jaco Kriel (Lions) – Off season shoulder op – was expected back for Rd 4 but reinjured his shoulder, is having ANOTHER operation and is expected out for a further six months! Looks like he is done for the season. Rudy Paige (Bulls) – cut from the squad Enrique Pieretto (Jaguares) – ACL Reconstruction

Have we missed something? Drop a comment or tweet and let us know.

Written by Harrison Dale