The Casualty Ward Rd 16 & Internationals

Round 16 saw the New Zealand and Australian pools battle it out as the South African pool took a break to play a meaningless game, with a meaningless team, in a meaningless location. This week we had just as many players pulled pregame as those getting injured during the game. With a big international break you can expect a plethora of players back for round 17.

The @FantasyXVDraft podcast Episode 15 will be a bit different this week. Cargie, Harry & Nelson will review the last weeks play as per normal, but we'll then take a look at the international window, zoning in on individual player performance to try and predict whats to come. The pod will again be available from Tuesday morning (AEST). You'll find us across all platforms on the links below:

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Returned from Injuries in Rd 16:

Gareth Evans (Hurricanes) - Injured his ankle during the week before Rd 15. Played at No.8 but didn't have any big runs as we are used to seeing from him. (Highlanders) - Ben Smith, Luke Whitelock, Shannon Frizell and Liam Coltman, all came back after being rested last week. Wes Goosen (Hurricanes) - Broke his jaw against the Chiefs in Rd 9. Came back via the bench this week. Elliot Dixon (Highlanders) - Copped a knock on the elbow in Rd 14. Came off the bench at No.7 this week. Joe Moody (Crusaders) - Copped a 2 week ban for "that elbow" in Rd 13. Looked like he was having another go at the same move this week, but didn't end up getting called on it. Israel Dagg (Crusaders) - Reinjured his dodgy knee in Rd 11. Looked light on his feet and keen to get involved this time round. Pete Samu (Crusaders) - Came off with a concussion last week. Originally not named in the side, he ended up coming off the bench because of Taufua's pregame injury. Matt Duffie (Blues) - Concussion Rd 14. Started on the wing this week and looked solid. Alex Hodgman (Blues) – Injured his arm in rd 5, Started this week and scrummed well.

Ross Haylett-Petty (Rebels) - Came off during half time with concussion in Rd 10. Got a bit of a run off the bench but didn't make much of an impact. Gerhard Van Den Heever (Sunwolves) – Had a chronic groin issue keep him out all year. Got his first run off the bench this week.

[getty src="965935048" width="594" height="391" tld="com.au"] Israel Dagg made his comeback from a knee injury. Credit to Getty Images.

New Injuries International Break:

Jordan Taufua (Crusaders) - Got a reasonably serious calf tear in game 1 against the French. Likely to return in Rd 18 after the Crusaders bye. Billy Harmon (Crusaders) - Came off against the French barbarians in week 2 of the internationals with an injured knee. Liam Squire (Highlanders) - AC joint injury in the second international. In doubt for the third game. Nathan Harris (Highlanders) - Still on paternity leave, won't travel to Fiji this week. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) - Concussion in the second international. Missed the last test and in doubt for Rd 17. Brad Shields (Hurricanes) - In doubt for this week Vaea Fifita (Hurricanes) - Ruled out of the third test with concussion. Still in doubt for this week. Matt Proctor (Hurricanes) - Gone for the season, I think just from his sternum injury. Ardie Savea (Hurricanes) - Out for 2-3 weeks from Rd 17 after injuring his ankle early for NZ. Sonny Bill Williams (Blues) - Came off with a shoulder injury in the third test and won't play Rd 17.

Will Genia (Rebels) - Fractured his arm being pushed off the ball. Has now gone for an operation and will miss six weeks. Adam Coleman (Rebels) - Bruised his hip or groin in the third international against Ireland. In doubt to play Rd 17. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) - Tore his hamstring in the third international against Ireland. Set to miss four weeks which means he could even miss the quarter final if the Waratahs make it. Source here. Israel Folau (Waratahs) - Has been cited for his aerial contest in the third test. It would be hard to see him coping more than at worst a one week ban, but you never know! Chance Peni (Brumbies) - His first game back for his club he has again dumped someone on their head, he has now been rubbed out for another six weeks. Season over!

Rohan Janse van Rensburg (Lions) - Had an operation on Friday (June 15) to repair a fractured cartilage within the ankle joint as well as a high-grade syndesmosis injury. He got injured in the Super Rugby game against the Stormers. He will be out of rugby for approximately four months. Source here. Trevor Nyakane (Bulls) - Injured his ribs, out for the internationals so could be at risk of missing Rd 17.

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New Injuries Rd 16:

Dalton Papali'i (Blues) - Injured his hamstring early. Umaga said "it doesn't look good" so he might not be right for Rd 17. Source here. Sonny-Bill Williams (Blues) - Had a bit of bone floating in his knee. Recovering better than expected, could play the third test against France. Source here. Jack Goodhue (Crusaders) - Pulled out before the match with a minor hamstring injury. Jordan Taufua (Crusaders) - Hadn't recovered from his calf injury so could not take the field. Sam Cane (Chiefs) - Lost his spot on the bench because he didn't recover from his abdominal sprain. Karl Tuinukuafe (Chiefs) - Left the field late with what looked like an injury. Apparently just cramp.

Jordan Uelese (Rebels) - Hurt his left knee trying to make a tackle on Akira Ioane. Had to be carried off by two players. Sounds like he has done his ACL and is gone for the season. Jack Maddocks (Rebels) - Limped off with after taking a knock to his ankle with 11 minutes left. Expected to be fit for next week. Jono Lance (Reds) - Injured before kick off. We are not sure what he has done. Aidan Toua (Reds) - Took a head knock from Izzy after his first couple of minutes on the field. Concussion. Taqele Naiyaravoro (Waratahs) - Came off injured in the second half. Maybe a shoulder?

Damien Willemse (Stormers) - Carried off on a stretcher at the U20 world cup. Injured his knee and should be gone for 4-6 weeks. Source here.

[getty src="965874268" width="396" height="594" tld="com.au"] Dalton Papali'i came off injured for the Blues. Credit Getty Images.

Likely back for this week (Rd 17):

Vaea Fifita (Hurricanes) - Bone bruise to his shoulder. Almost played Rd 16 but has had to wait until after the internationals. James Parsons (Blues) - Came off for a concussion test in Rd 14. Apparently he passed it but didn't come back on. Should play after the break. Josh Goodhue (Blues) - Concussion in Rd 12. Not much word out of the Blues camp (as usual) but surely he is back soon. TJ Faiane (Blues) - Was meant to be out for at least two weeks with an ankle sprain so should be back in the mix after the break. Blake Gibson (Blues) – 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! SURELY he will play after the break. Thomas Umaga-Jensen (Highlanders) – Shoulder injury. The midfielder should return after the June break for Rd 17. Siate Tokolahi (Highlanders) - Hyper extended his right knee getting chop tackled in Rd 10. Grade 2 tear to his MCL (inside ligament) has him out for an expected 4-6 weeks. UPDATE: Out until after the international break for Rd 17. Source here. James Lentjes (Highlanders) - Concussion in Rd 15. Likely back after the international break. Kayne Hammington (Highlanders) - Sprained his ankle and came off late, looks like he'll be gone until Rd 17. Lachlan Boshier (Chiefs) - Appendicitis ruled him out since Rd 12. Is now a chance to play Rd 17. Tyler Ardron (Chiefs) - Copped another concussion in Rd 14. Fit to play Rd 17.

Chris Feauai-Sautia (Reds) - Concussed in Rd 13. Apparently still struggling but was a chance for Rd 16. Should be back after the break. Lukhan Tui (Reds) - Made his comeback for the Wallabies over the break so we will see him in Rd 17. Folau Faingaa (Brumbies) - Red carded for a gentle kiss on the head with his own forehead. Given a one week ban so missed Rd 16. Rory Arnold (Brumbies) - Copped a red card for a high tackle on Jantjies. Confirmed Sunday night that he will miss 3 weeks so will be back after the break. Robbie Abel (Brumbies) - Ruled out before kickoff with a calf injury in Rd 14. Should be back on the bench after the break. Ned Hanigan (Waratahs) - Made his comeback from an MCL injury for the Wallabies over the break so we will see him in Rd 17.. Richard Hardwick (Rebels) - Another one with an MCL injury. Probably targeting a return after the international break. Source here. Grant Hattingh (Sunwolves) - Headed home to Japan before Rd 16 with concussion. You never know with the Sunwolves but you'd expect him back next week. Kazuki Himeno (Sunwolves) - Missed Rd 14 after having his wisdom teeth out. I expect we won't see him until Rd 17 now. Source here.

Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers) - Ruled out of Rd 15 due to illness. Played the game against Wales so he will be back next week. Seabelo Senatla (Stormers) - Returned to the Sevens side before the international break. We aren't certain he will be back for Rd 17, but he seems to have shown that 15s is his priority. Raymond Rhule (Stormers) - Copped a 3 week ban for his high elbow on Combrinck. Back before Rd 17. JJ Engelbrecht (Stormers) - Copped 1 week for his clean around the head in Rd 15. Ruan Botha (Sharks) - Copped 4 weeks for his high tackle. Will be back for Rd 17. Lionel Mapoe (Lions) - Missed the last two weeks with a groin injury. Apparently almost played last week so you'd expect he plays Rd 17. Courtnall Skosan (Lions) – ACL in January – Played in he challenge cup last week so should be back in the mix. Warren Whiteley (Lions) – Declared fit before the third international. Will be back for Rd 17. Source here. Malcolm Marx (Lions) - Declared fit from his high hamstring tear before the third international. Will be right for Rd 17. Source here. Marco Van Staden (Bulls) - Badly sprained his ankle. Back until after the international break. Source here. Franco Naude (Bulls) – Undergone shoulder surgery and will be out for four months from Rd 2 –Roughly Rd 15. Hanro Liebenberg (Bulls) - Injured his MCL in Rd 9, back after the international break. Jannes Kirsten (Bulls) - Had a nerve injury. Back after the international break. Pierre Schoeman (Bulls) - Banned for six weeks for biting a Rebels player. Back after the break. Marnitz Boshoff (Bulls) - 1/05/18: Recovering well from his meniscus surgery so should be back for Rd 17, probably on the bench. Matías Moroni (Jaguares) – Shoulder operation – Played his first game for the Argentinian XV (development side). Should be back in the mix after the break. Tomás Cubelli (Jaguares) – Coming back from his fractured neck, Played with the Argentina XV team from week 10 of Super Rugby. Should be in the mix from Rd 17.

[getty src="180518483" width="594" height="499" tld="com.au"] Tomás Cubelli should make his comeback after the international break. Credit Getty Images.

Ongoing Injury List:

NEW ZEALAND Highlanders Tevita Nabura (Highlanders) - Got a red card for fly kicking Waratahs winger Clarke in the face Rd 14. Copped a 6 week ban meaning we will see him for the last round of the regular season. Source here.

Hurricanes The Hurricanes this year won't play anyone that isn't fit to play fully on Monday of the game week. Nil Chiefs 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 – Still struggling with his leg injury (Update 25/6). Unlikely to play again this season. Kane Hames – Struggling with concussion. Unlikely to feature again this year. Brodie Retallick - Apparently didn't actually tear his pec, now a chance for Rd 18. Source here. Nepo Laulala – Fractured left forearm requiring surgery. Had complications and won't be back until Rd 19 at the earliest. Source here. Crusaders Kieran Read – Coming back from 2017 back surgery. Expected to make his return via Counties after the international break, so we may see him play at the back end of the season. Sam Whitelock - Ruled out to play the Blues Rd 14 for a concussion. Still not right for Rd 16. Tim Bateman - Has a grade 2 hamstring tear from Rd 15. Could be out for up to a month so we should see him after the Rd 17 bye. Braydon Ennor - "Monday's scan revealed he suffered two high-ankle sprains last weekend - good news considering it was initially feared he broke both ankles"! Source here. These injuries can go for 6 weeks plus, so no guarantee he will be back after the break. Owen Franks - Copped a two week ban for his high shot on Parsons. We will see him back after the international break. Tim Perry - Tore his hamstring again in All Blacks camp. Described as "at least a few weeks away" before Rd 16. Source here. Manasa Mataele - Tore his hamstring in Rd 14. Ruled out until after the international break. Source here. Ryan Crotty - Concussion. Didn't recover in time for Rd 15 and now 16. Source here. Whetu Douglas - Resigned for the Crusaders as injury cover while Read is unavailable. Can provide cover for Rds 17-19 but won't qualify for finals. Source here.

Blues Isaac Salmon – Elbow Daniel Kirkpatrick - Rib injury. Patrick Tuipulotu - Took another knock to an ongoing shoulder injury. He is now "extremely doubtful" to be right in time to play the internationals, and even at risk of missing the rest of the season. Source here.

AUSTRALIA Waratahs 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 - Limped off with another MCL tear. The Brumbies are hopefully he could be back after the international break.

Reds Nil

Rebels Nil

SOUTH AFRICA Sharks Nil

Stormers Eben Etzebeth – Shoulder nerve injury. Flek says he won't even consider him until their rd 17 game against the Jaguares at the earliest. Source here. 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. Sergeal Petersen – Injured his MCL (knee) and has been sidelined for four months.  Sounds like he will be available from about Rd 10. At this stage i'm not sure if he is in the frame for selection or not. Source here.

Lions Robbie Coetzee - Got taken out by his own team mate and injured his left knee. Has gone for surgery and won't be seen again this season (I would think).

Bulls Jamba Ulengo – Ongoing Patella Tendon issue- Training with the squad since before Rd 10. They will be very careful with quickly they have to load him up with running so it could be a while until we see him. Hendre Stassen - Looked to be in a lot of discomfort with an ankle injury in Rd 14. We might not see him for a while.

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ARGENTINA/JAPAN Jaguares Nil

Sunwolves Nil

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. Jimmy Tupou (Blues) - Just had his ACL reconstructed, now out for the season. Reggie Goodes (Hurricanes) – Retired due to concussion Vince Aso (Hurricanes) - Damaged ligaments in his wrist. Confirmed now that he is done for the season. Dane Coles (Hurricanes) – ACL Start of December. Couldn't get his knee straight so had another operation after Rd 14. Now gone for the rest of the season. Alex Fidow (Hurricanes) – Recovered from his fractured cheek but now ruptured a ligament in his big toe. This needs surgery and he will be gone for the season. Source here. Asafo Aumua (Hurricanes) - Wrist fracture I think in Rd 9, out for 12 weeks which apparently could put him back for Rd 19. The Hurricanes are saying he probably wont play again this season. 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. Sam McNicol (Chiefs) – Recurrent Concussions – now ruled out for the season. Taleni Seu  (Chiefs) - Limped off half an hour into the game against the Hurricanes in Rd 9. Now confirmed he has fractured his back and is out for the season. Ben Funnell (Crusaders) - Tore his ACL against the Sunwolves in Rd 10. Out for the season. Oli Jager (Crusaders) - Hurt his shoulder during training before the Lions game (Rd 7). Now decided to have a reconstruction (Rd 11) so won't play again this season. Tom Sanders (Crusaders) - Fractured the ankle in Rd 10 that got a pin in it in preseason. Requires another operation and is very unlikely to play again this season.

Quade Cooper (Reds) – unwanted by reds but still contracted – unlikely to see him play this season. Karmichael Hunt (Reds) – 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. Nick Frisby (Reds) – His services will not be needed. Markus Vanzati (Reds) – His services will not be needed. James Slipper (Reds) - Not considered for selection in Rd 14 after testing positive for Cocaine (TWICE). He has now been stood down for two months so we won't see him again this season. Source here. 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. Richard Hardwick (Rebels) - MCL (ligament inside of the knee) injury. Out for the season so I assume he has had surgery. Lappies Labuschagne (Sunwolves) - His time with the Sunwolves has finished as his contract with the Kubota Spears won't allow him to play any further. This is a real worry for other Sunwolves players since we don't know what each contract outlines, and this came out of no where! Hosea Saumake (Sunwolves) - Ruptured his ACL and will be gone for the season. Michael Little (Sunwolves) - Dislocated his knee cap, should be gone 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. Chris Van Zyl (Stormers) - Out for the rest of the season with a left knee meniscus repair. Source here. Roelof Smit (Bulls) - Injured his knee, "A complete grade 3 tear of his ligament", i'm assuming his MCL, so he is out for 10-12 weeks. The rest of the season. Source here. Rudy Paige (Bulls) – cut from the squad Tim Agaba (Bulls) - Played for the Blue Bulls in Rd 11 and tore his bicep. Has had an operation and is out for four to six months/ the season. Source here. Lood De Jager (Bulls) - Ruptured his Pec muscle in Rd 13 and will be out for four months! Source here. Lizo Gqoboka (Bulls) - Suffered an injury to the tendon in his toe and will be out for the rest of the year (four to six months) having an operation. Same source as Lood's horror injury. Enrique Pieretto (Jaguares) – ACL Reconstruction Joaquín Tuculet (Jaguares) - Came off with a knee injury. Now confirmed as an ACL rupture he will be out for the season having surgery.

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Written by your local rugby nerd Harrison Dale.