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Blues fan favourite Tom Robinson in doubt for season as All Black set for injury return

(Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

Blues loose forward Tom Robinson has undergone knee surgery and is in doubt for the remainder of the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition.

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Robinson suffered a meniscus tear in the Blues’ opening 30-20 victory over the Hurricanes at Eden Park last week and after scans revealed the extent of the damage he had cartilage removed from his knee on Monday.

With eight weeks left in the New Zealand only competition, the Blues are hopeful Robinson will return in the final rounds but his workaholic presence – either from lock or blindside flanker – will be missed.

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Dave Rennie fronts media

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Dave Rennie fronts media

While the Blues have ample loose forward depth to cover Robinson’s absence his work-rate and lineout ability has often been the glue in their forward pack.

“He’s such a great kid in our environment. He’s our energy bloke – if there’s a yahoo to be had it’ll come from Tom so we all feel for him being cut down in his stride,” Blues forwards coach Tom Coventry said.

“He’s hobbling around today so he’s pretty keen to get himself back onto the bike and then onto his feet in the next three to four weeks.

“I don’t think it’s going to be a long injury but it might take him out of a significant amount of this short programme we have now.

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“The diagnosis was six to eight weeks but we’re hoping it’s five to six weeks with a couple of byes in there. I’d like to see him back. I know he’s going to pushing for it.

“He’s had a great 14 months since he arrived at the Blues so we hope he can get himself back on the field in the same sort of form before he hurt his knee. He certainly gets through a power of work.”

The news is more positive for powerhouse prop Karl Tu’inukuafe who will make his return from a hamstring injury for club side Takapuna this weekend with a view to being available after next week’s bye.

Tu’inukuafe, considered one of New Zealand’s strongest scrummages, was in strong form before the injury setback as he pushes for a return to the All Blacks after missing selection for last year’s World Cup.

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The Blues have, meanwhile, sold 19,000 tickets for Saturday’s match against the Highlanders at Eden Park.

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R
RedWarrior 1 hour ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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