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'The scariest thing I've ever seen': Fans rally behind Highlanders captain James Lentjes following gruesome leg injury
By Alex McLeod
Fans worldwide have lent their support to Highlanders captain James Lentjes after he suffered a gruesome leg injury during his side’s 28-22 defeat to the Rebels in Dunedin on Friday.
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Lentjes was left writhing in agony after breaking his leg from an awkward ruck clean out in the 29th minute of the match, with his left foot and ankle bent badly out of shape.
The 29-year-old was promptly taken to Dunedin Hospital, and Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger expected the injury to keep his squad’s skipper sidelined for the remainder of the Super Rugby campaign.
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WARNING: Video contains graphic content
?? A lot of respect for James Lentjes. #SuperRugby #HIGvREB
WRAP: https://t.co/5TwIPKtcn8 pic.twitter.com/Rq5eVWTNsR
— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) February 28, 2020
“Jimmy’s broken so I imagine it will be a season [ending injury],” Mauger told reporters post-match.
“They took him off to hospital. They had him here for about 15 minutes just trying to settle him and then off to hospital.
“Jimmy’s been outstanding all throughout pre-season, he’s led our game really well over the last four games, including tonight, so we’re really gutted for him.
“He’s had some pretty bad luck over the years with injuries. The lads are devastated for him.”
Highlanders halfback and vice-captain Aaron Smith echoed his coach’s sentiments, labelling Lentjes’ injury as “horrific”.
“My prayers are with him. He’s our spiritual leader, he’s everything a Highlander man is and we’re thinking of him,” Smith said.
“I hope he’s alright right now. I hope he’ll have the best medical staff. You don’t play rugby to see that sort of stuff.”
Support for Lentjes has extended beyond the Highlanders camp, with punters from around the globe offering their condolences and well-wishes for the injury-stricken loose forward.
James Lentjes was just convulsing and thrashing around on the ground and that is without doubt the scariest thing I've ever seen at live sport. Hope it's not as bad as I think it will be. #HIGvREB
— Mark Currie (@MarkCurrieNZ) February 28, 2020
Horrible injury to James Lentjes
Damn!!!
Feel bad for the player #HIGREB #SuperRugby— TinTin (@Mr_Mavingire) February 28, 2020
James Lentjes, that’s tough. Heal quick, heal well. #SuperRugby #HIGVREB
— The Rule Water Bull. (@ArgyleSport) February 28, 2020
https://twitter.com/lee_davidse/status/1233281357058641920
Wishing a speedy recovery to James Lentjes! That’s a horrible injury! @Highlanders #SuperRugby
— Conductor Bets – Sports Betting (@BrendonWessels) February 28, 2020
James Lentjes ??? cruel #HIGvREB
— Lloyd Jones (@LloydJones1882) February 28, 2020
That James Lentjes injury is absolutely brutal! Poor bastard #SuperRugby
— Luke Robinson (@WhakataneLuke) February 28, 2020
Just seen the most horrible thing. I wish the @Highlanders captain James Lentjes a blessed and speedy recovery ?? #SuperRugby #highlandersvsrebels
— SouthAfrican_sportspage (@Tryscorers) February 28, 2020
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Horrific injury to James Lentjes. Praying for a speedy recovery. #HIGvREB
— Brian Fiu K?lia (@BKolia) February 28, 2020
Nasty and an unfortunate injury for James Lentjes. Praying for a quick recovery #HIGvREB
— ? Pâ NgWi² (@nabwela) February 28, 2020
Lentjes’ injury compounds frustrations for the Highlanders, who now lie in 13th place and are rooted to the bottom of the New Zealand conference with just one win from their opening four outings.
The flailing Dunedin franchise will now travel to South Africa and Argentina for a two-match tour where they will face the Bulls and Jaguares.
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