Extent of Quinn Tupaea's injury revealed as Swain cited for dangerous clean out

All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has revealed the extent of Quinn Tupaea’s injury suffered against the Wallabies in Melbourne last night.

The All Black midfielder will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a ruptured medial cruciate ligament (MCL) as well as a partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his left knee.

The injury occurred during Thursday night’s Bledisloe Cup test in Melbourne after a targetted clean out by Wallaby lock Darcy Swain, who has since been cited for the play.

Ian Foster stated in his post game press conference that Tupaea would get a scan, and shared his thoughts on the play:

“It looked dangerously like an ACL, which is a very very significant long term injury,” he told media.

“We’ve got a big issue with it (the play by Swain), we’ve got a player who’s probably going to be out for nine months.”

“You’re not allowed to target legs on the side and clean out past the ball. The rules are pretty clear.”

Tupaea was securing the All Blacks ball at a ruck when Swain threw his shoulder into Tupaea’s leg, forcing the Chiefs star’s leg to twist.

Here’s the woeful clearout from Darcy Swain targeting the knee/lower leg of Quinn Tupaea. Shocking and a red card all day long #AusvNZ pic.twitter.com/8dbNbBmLc4

— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) September 15, 2022

Swain received a yellow card for his actions, although Wallaby coach Dave Rennie clarified there was no intent in the clean out in his post game comments.

“It was certainly nothing intentional.” Rennie said post match.

Ian Foster again fronted press Friday morning and announced the results of the scan amongst other updates.

Swain’s citing means he will face a judicial hearing with a potential ban the outcome.

Tupaea was injected into the match early after a head knock to starting No 12 David Havili, who is also under an injury cloud heading into the return clash in Auckland.

David Havili is unlikely to play in next weekend’s follow up test at Eden Park after suffering a concussion in Melbourne, he will join captain Sam Cane in going through concussion protocols over the next week.

The injuries to the two midfielders could see a call up for Auckland’s Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who debuted in July against Ireland but has returned to NPC duties to get game time.