The All Blacks injury toll five rounds into Super Rugby Pacific

Round five of Super Rugby Pacific was a designated ‘rest week’ for many All Blacks which helped softened the growing injury toll, particularly for the Crusaders who are dealing with significant injury challenges.

But the defending champion Crusaders still lost another All Black to injury on Friday night against the Brumbies, losing in-form blindside flanker Ethan Blackadder in the first half to a calf injury.

The loose forward had returned from a long layoff from a shoulder injury suffered last season, but the early diagnosis is forgiving with Blackadder expected to return in two weeks time.

“All the subs are just because of substitutions [except] Ethan Blackadder…he might be a couple of weeks,” head coach Robertson said post-match.

The Crusaders lost Sam Whitelock to a suspected broken hand and Sevu Reece to a long-term knee injury against the Blues last week, adding to their woes with eight All Blacks currently sidelined.

The good news for the Crusaders is Will Jordan is looking to return in a month’s time according to assistant coach James Marshall.

The Highlanders overcame a spate of injuries to defeat the Drua but the list of talent on the sideline is a huge concern for Clarke Dermody.

After losing All Black No 6 Shannon Frizell in the warm-up last week, the Highlanders lost form midfielder Thomas Umaga-Jensen, centre Josh Timu, lock Josh Dickson and No 8 Hugh Renton before kick off against the Drua.

After losing both midfielders, replacement centre Jake Te Hiwi was then forced off with injury after just 12 minutes forcing fullback Sam Gilbert to move into the midfield.

Outside backs Vili Koroi, Mosese Dawai, Scott Gregory, Jona Nareki, Jeff Thwaites are all currently sidelined with injuries, along with first five-eighths Marty Banks and Freddie Burns.

Along with Frizell, workhorse No 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, prop Saula Ma’u, lock Paripari Parkinson, hooker Andrew Makalio are all out injured up front.

With five more players heading to the injury ward the Highlanders depth is being severely challenged.

The Hurricanes came away unscathed against Moana Pasifika after resting trio Tyrel Lomax, Dane Coles and Jordie Barrett.

Hooker Asafo Aumua and Ardie Savea will get a break next week according to head coach Jason Holland as they await the return of halfback TJ Perenara.

The Chiefs and Blues came away with no further All Black injury losses after managing their capped internationals over the weekend.

The Blues were boosted by the return of Ofa Tu’ungafasi from concussion protocols against the Force and he made it through his 50 minutes of action.

All Blacks Dalton Papaplii, Nepo Laulala, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke were all rested for the clash against the Force.

Patrick Tuipulotu and Akira Ioane are still sidelined, along with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck who will miss a month of action after a hand injury against the Crusaders.

All Black prop Alex Hodgman is confirmed to be out for the season with a shoulder injury.

Tuipulotu’s timeline is unknown after limping from the field in the 24th minute shortly after scoring his try against the Hurricanes a couple of weeks ago.

All Blacks injury list after round five of Super Rugby Pacific:

Crusaders: Will Jordan, Jack Goodhue, David Havili, Cullen Grace, Fletcher Newell, Sevu Reece, Sam Whitelock, Ethan Blackadder

Highlanders: Shannon Frizell

Chiefs: Angus Ta’avao, Josh Lord, Atu Moli, Quinn Tupaea, Tupou Vaa’i, Anton Lienert-Brown

Hurricanes: TJ Perenara

Blues: Patrick Tuipulotu, Akira Ioane, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Alex Hodgman