Players Applaud The Decision To Rest No 8 Read: As the nation frets for the long-term welfare of its best rugby player, Kieran Reads All Black teammates have thrown their weight behind their coachs no-risks policy regarding the No 8s ongoing head issues. Coach Steve Hansen reacted swiftly and decisively when Read presented not feeling the best on Monday morning at the team hotel in Auckland, confirming yesterday he had withdrawn the 2013 IRB player of the year from Saturdays test against England at Eden Park. Given that Read had only just returned to the field for the Crusaders last weekend after six weeks out dealing with ongoing symptoms of concussion, this latest setback raises some pretty major concerns for the colossus of a No 8 who is right at the top of his game. In an era when there is much greater awareness of the long-term repercussions of head injuries in contact sports, Hansens swift action and keenness to take the decision out of his players hands is to be applauded. Sure, it puts the All Blacks in a little bit of a tight spot this week, especially given that Reads withdrawal came on the same day that it was confirmed openside flanker Sam Cane is out of the series with a small fracture in his knee and blockbusting Hurricanes wing Julian Savea is also unlikely to play in the series opener because of his own knee issues. But whats a week or a test here or there when it comes to the ongoing health and welfare of Read? Remember, this is not only a great All Black, but a husband and father to a family who need him operating at full capacity in the living room, never mind the playing field. Hansen yesterday spoke about not being prepared to take any risks with Read, but also cautioned against drawing knee-jerk or alarmist conclusions. He pointed to Reads close friend and colleague, Richie McCaw, as an example of someone who had came out the other side of some worrying head issues with careful treatment and management. Weve got really good faith in the people that look after him - Deb Robinson down in Christchurch and our own doctor here, Tony Page, Hansen said. Long term Im not too concerned, but were just not prepared risk him this week. Its just too dangerous. Both lock Brodie Retallick, who knows a little of what Read is going through, and midfielder Maa Nonu yesterday applauded the decision to remove Read from the test equation so early in the week. It takes a lot to scare Retallick, but the towering lock didnt mind admitting that back-to-back concussions this Super Rugby season had him shaking in his size 14s. Its definitely frustrating, but its probably more scary, to be honest, Retallick said yesterday following a mid-morning training run on a warm and sunny winters day in Auckland. Youre not sure when the symptoms are going go away or when they are going to return. Youve got to be patient and wait it out and wait for them to clear because its something you dont really want to mess round with. Retallick said the concussion area was something all rugby players were much more aware of nowadays. After youve been concussed a couple of times it makes you aware of the real dangers that are there and much more cautious of it. Obviously its frustrating for him that hes not going to be out there but he seems to be handling it pretty well. Nonu recalls being concussed once in his long career, though has delivered a few bell-ringers in his time. Its not fun, he added. Its a contact sport, and if you get your head in the wrong place or youre going for the ball in terms of collisions, its going to happen. Hes had it more than other guys, so its just a matter of looking after his health really and thats the priority for him. Nonu felt rugby had done a good job of being proactive in terms of teaching best techniques. Its getting really physical at the breakdown, and if we can get across the safety in terms of knowing where to put your head, and the right technique, then its going to help. Its almost irrelevant, but the All Blacks cover splendidly for Reads absence against an under-strength English line-up. Stephen Luatua (for this week) and Matt Todd (permanently) have both been called up, though Jerome Kaino must be favoured to assume No 8 duties for the opening test. Savea will be monitored through the week, and no replacement has been called for yet.
Posted on: Tue, 03 Jun 2014 17:45:57 +0000
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