DIEHARD
09-11-05, 04:34 AM
New Zealand have suffered a devastating injury blow ahead of their Gillette Tri-Nations game against Great Britain after Lance Hohaia was ruled out.
The 22-year-old, who was earmarked to take over the scrum-half role from Stacey Jones, will return to New Zealand after tearing ligaments in his right ankle in the closing seconds of Sunday's 30-22 win against England.
The game was Hohaia's first since he injured his left ankle in the Kiwis' historic 38-28 win over Australia in Sydney last month.
The severity of the injury was initially played down by the Kiwis, who were desperately hoping he would be fit for Saturday's game in Huddersfield, but they have now conceded defeat.
"Lance has handled this setback well," said head coach Brian McClennan. "He played extremely well in Sunday's match and showed he had recovered very quickly after being injured in Sydney.
"He was outstanding on attack and defence and had really shown he was ready to step straight back into the test side. It's disappointing to lose such a quality player but Lance has a bright future in the Kiwis? jersey. He will be back."
The versatile Hohaia won his seventh cap as a hooker in Sydney but was set to take over the number seven jersey made vacant by the departure of Jones, who has linked up with engage Super League newcomers Les Catalans.
"It's extremely disappointing to have to leave the camp," said Hohaia. "But I have a lot of faith in my team-mates to do the job. The spirit in the camp is outstanding."
Hohaia's replacement in the Kiwis squad has not been confirmed but the injury could pave the way for a recall for Robbie Paul, who was not named in the Tri-Nations squad but was on the bench for the England game.
Source: http://www.SuperLeague.co.uk
The 22-year-old, who was earmarked to take over the scrum-half role from Stacey Jones, will return to New Zealand after tearing ligaments in his right ankle in the closing seconds of Sunday's 30-22 win against England.
The game was Hohaia's first since he injured his left ankle in the Kiwis' historic 38-28 win over Australia in Sydney last month.
The severity of the injury was initially played down by the Kiwis, who were desperately hoping he would be fit for Saturday's game in Huddersfield, but they have now conceded defeat.
"Lance has handled this setback well," said head coach Brian McClennan. "He played extremely well in Sunday's match and showed he had recovered very quickly after being injured in Sydney.
"He was outstanding on attack and defence and had really shown he was ready to step straight back into the test side. It's disappointing to lose such a quality player but Lance has a bright future in the Kiwis? jersey. He will be back."
The versatile Hohaia won his seventh cap as a hooker in Sydney but was set to take over the number seven jersey made vacant by the departure of Jones, who has linked up with engage Super League newcomers Les Catalans.
"It's extremely disappointing to have to leave the camp," said Hohaia. "But I have a lot of faith in my team-mates to do the job. The spirit in the camp is outstanding."
Hohaia's replacement in the Kiwis squad has not been confirmed but the injury could pave the way for a recall for Robbie Paul, who was not named in the Tri-Nations squad but was on the bench for the England game.
Source: http://www.SuperLeague.co.uk