ROSE OUT FOR SEASON


Doug Howlett's two bone-jarring tackles on the Lions' Earl Rose a fortnight ago have ended the 77kg fullback's season.

After a fiery confrontation earlier in the match where Rose appeared to
headbutt the Blues' wing, Howlett responded with two huge hits on the South African - one which seriously injured the fullback in the process. The tackle tore two tendons in his shoulder and required corrective surgery, ruling him out of all rugby for between three to five months.


The Lions are also holding their breath on the fitness of lock Cobus Grobler who is struggling with a shoulder injury. He was on the receiving end of some big Blues' hits in the same match, with Nick Williams and Troy Flavell bumping off the big lock in quick succession at the beginning of the match.








REDS STILL FIGHTING


Eddie Jones says his Reds side will play a "liberated" style of rugby against the Chiefs this weekend.

Despite the confirmation influential players Hugh McMeniman and Berrick Barnes will be unavailable, the Reds have stated they will play an expansive game against a side which will be significantly boosted by the return of their All Blacks.
Although they will have to try and accomplish this with virtually the same side who never looked like crossing the tryline in last Friday night's 38-3 hammering from the Force.


Fullback Clinton Schifcofske may be a late inclusion if he passes a fitness test later today.

Follow up:

RETURN OF ALL BLACKS


Crusaders coach Robbie Deans and his Blues counterpart David Nucifora will use two quite different strategies in reintroducing their All Blacks into the Super 14 this weekend.
While Deans has reinstated all his six returning All Blacks to the starting line-up to face the Stormers, Nucifora has gone in the opposite direction and only included hooker Keven Mealamu - who will start off the bench against the Waratahs on Friday night.

With talk of slowly reintroducing All Blacks back into the competition, Deans has ignored any outside pressures and named Richie McCaw, Reuben Thorne, Chris Jack, Dan Carter, Aaron Mauger and Leon MacDonald in his starting XV.


Carl Hayman and Anton Oliver have been named on the bench for the Highlanders.


GIBBES INJURED AGAIN


The Chiefs' injury woes this season show no sign of letting up.
It was hoped the side would have inspirational captain Jono Gibbes back for Saturday night's Super 14 match against the Reds in Brisbane.

However, the lock again damaged the calf muscle at training that has sidelined him for the past four games and is unlikely to be fit.
The injury-ravaged franchise are still without key players lock Keith Robinson and centre Richard Kahui, who are battling calf and shoulder injuries respectively, while flanker Steven Bates is still 50/50 to play with a suspect ankle.



Source: RugbyeNews.com