Tuesday’s top rugby news sees the Lions losing their captain, Robbie Fruean’s health issues, the Rebels appealing suspension and the Bulls battling injuries.
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Warburton out, justice delayed
In a follow up to yesterday’s speculation, Lions captain Sam Warburton has been ruled out of Saturday’s third Test in Sydney. Post-match scans confirmed that the Welsh flanker suffered a significant tear in his left hamstring during the second Test. Describing the news as ‘incredibly disappointing’, Warburton’s outstanding performance at the breakdown in Melbourne will be sorely missed heading into the series deciding third match
The Lions head coach Warren Gatland is due to announce his starting line-up for Sydney on Wednesday, with Brian O’Driscoll expected to be named captain while Ireland’s Sean O’Brien is the likely replacement at openside flanker. In fact, Sky Sports pundit Stuart Barnes went as far as labelling Warburton’s injury a ‘blessing in disguise,’ given O’Brien’s superior running game. This assertion was immediately attacked by furious Welsh Lions fans.
Meanwhile, the IRB has postponed the Horwill decision until 1pm AEST today. Get behind big Kev by supporting the #justiceforHorwill campaign.
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Fruean to undergo heart surgery
Crusaders centre Robbie Fruean has withdrawn from the remainder of the 2013 Super Rugby Season, as he is set to receive a further valve replacement as a result of rheumatic fever (read: inflamed heart) which he suffered as a 20-year-old. Fruean’s cardiac function has been slowly deteriorating over the last six months and his specialist has recommended further surgery. ‘I noticed something wasn’t right,’ Fruean said of his recent drop-off in form.
In other Kiwi news, perennial All Blacks Richie McCaw and Owen Franks have returned to Crusaders training, though at limited capacity. Franks, returning from an infected elbow following the All Blacks’ third Test against France, is likely to play this week while coach Todd Blackadder has hinted that McCaw could return from his competitive rugby long-service leave for the 12 July clash with the Hurricanes.
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Rebels to fight Mitchell ban
The Melbourne Rebels will officially appeal winger Lachlan Mitchell’s one-match ban for a dangerous lifting tackle against British and Irish Lions winger Simon Zebo. The appeal will be heard by Justice Lex Mpati from South Africa via video conference on Wednesday at 6pm AEST. Mitchell is bidding to play in the Rebels’ final Super Rugby match of the season, against the Highlanders on July 12.
Notably missing from this match will be All Black Ma’a Nonu, who was red-carded by referee Steve Walsh and subsequently given a three match suspension for his own lifting tackle on Crusdader Tom Marhsall.
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Injury bug hits Bulls
Turning to South African news now, the Super 15 conference-leading Bulls have been riddled with injuries in the lead-up to the finals. Most recently, flyhalf Louis Fouché has ruptured his ACL, requiring surgery next week. Fouché will join Pierre Spies (bicep) and Arno Botha (knee) for a six-month stint on the side line.
In other long-term Bulls injury news, Cornell Hess is five months away from action with a knee injury, while Lionel Mapoe will return in three months after he recovers from his shoulder injury. While the Bulls are comfortably into the finals, they are still battling with the Brumbies to secure a first-round bye, a valuable commodity nearing the end of a long, tough season.
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