Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Report: Rising Blues star Hoskins Sotutu doubtful for clash against Hurricanes

Hoskins Sotutu. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

Standout Blues No. 8 Hoskins Sotutu is reportedly in doubt to play in this week’s Super Rugby Aotearoa clash with the Hurricanes on Saturday.

ADVERTISEMENT

Newshub reports that the in-form 22-year-old has undergone scans after he was spotted hobbling late in his side’s 26-15 defeat to the Crusaders in Christchurch last Saturday.

The extent of Sotutu’s apparent injury is yet to be revealed, but the report states he is unlikely to square off against the Hurricanes at Sky Stadium in Wellington.

Video Spacer

Tate McDermott speaks to media

Reds scrumhalf Tate McDermott speaks ahead of Super Rugby AU Week Three, when Queensland faces the Western Force on Friday

Video Spacer

Tate McDermott speaks to media

Reds scrumhalf Tate McDermott speaks ahead of Super Rugby AU Week Three, when Queensland faces the Western Force on Friday

The news will come as a hefty blow to the Blues’ preparations for Saturday’s derby match, as the youngster has enjoyed a breakout year off the back of the scrum for the Auckland franchise.

Sotutu’s sparkling form has led to speculation that he is among the prime contenders to fill the vacant No. 8 role in the All Blacks following Kieran Read’s international retirement.

In his absence, the Blues are likely to call upon Akira Ioane, who has been in similarly good form since coming into the starting side as a blindside flanker.

Ioane had long been used at the Blues’ No. 8 in recent years, but the rise of Sotutu this year has pushed him onto the side of the scrum, where he has blossomed as part of a rejuvenated forward pack.

ADVERTISEMENT

Combining with openside flanker Dalton Paplii, Ioane and Sotutu have created a formidable loose forward dynamic, with their performances key in the Blues’ rise to second on the Super Rugby Aotearoa standings with three wins and one loss.

Speaking to media today, Hurricanes assistant coach Dan Cron labelled the trio as “most in-form loose trio in the world”.

“They’re probably the most in-form loose trio in the world at the moment, since we’re the only ones playing,” Cron said.

“[Sotutu] has been outstanding – he’s a threat off the back of the scrum, so we need to nullify that.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Akira is playing well and in great shape, and they’re bringing Blake Gibson off the bench – he’s an outstanding player. They’ve got great depth there.”

The Hurricanes will nevertheless be eager to topple their northern rivals as they look to keep their winning streak alive after having beaten the Chiefs and Highlanders in consecutive matches following a winless start to their campaign.

A win for the Wellingtonians could see them leapfrog the Blues into second place, but victory for the visitors this weekend will see them close the gap considerably on the competition-leading Crusaders.

Both clubs will name their teams for the match on Thursday.

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

R
RedWarrior 44 minutes 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?

8 Go to comments
TRENDING
TRENDING Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors Scott Robertson responds about handling errors
Search