Canterbury nurse battered heroes
Sun, 07 Sep 2008 10:26
Canterbury secured second spot on the Air New Zealand Cup standings after a convincing 36-9 victory over North Harbour on Saturday, though not without a handful of injury setbacks.
Ryan Crotty injured his leg in a tackle shortly after kick-off, having suffered a high ankle sprain.
The inside centre will be out for four to six weeks, and potentially longer depending on the severity of the injury.
Replacement loose forward Nasi Manu and scrumhalf Tyson Keats also suffered high ankle sprains, and will be monitored during the week.
No.5 Isaac Ross was another casualty from the Albany clash, who is nursing a bruised knee.
Of those players already injured and who did not play against Harbour, Stephen Brett (calf) and Andy Ellis (fractured rib) will be monitored during week, while Corey Flynn (arm) will play for Canterbury B next weekend.
Canterbury coach Rob Penney was elated with his side's five tries to nil victory, though feels there is still plenty room for improvement as the Christchurch outfit look forward to their game against Northland.
"We are quietly satisfied with how we're going. This is still plenty to work on but the set pieces are encouraging, as is our defence," said Penney.
