Otago lacking at flank
Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:59
Otago has a No.7 crisis on its hands as first choice Alando Soakai has been forced out of the Air New Zealand Cup season due to injury.
Soakai will undergo surgery on an injured shoulder, leaving Otago in somewhat of a predicament with the group of other specialist No.7s also deemed to be unavailable.
The alternative openside option in the Otago training squad is Harbour player Eben Joubert, who is suffering from a broken finger from the Otago trial game in Balclutha.
He is also unlikely to be available for the Invercargill season opener against Southland.
Otago's loss is Southland's gain, with the Stags having three quality openside flankers in Tim Boys, John Hardie and Dion Bates.
Southland boss Roger Clark said he had not had any approach from Otago about lending them a player, and that they would have to deal with that prospect if it arose.
However, it is expected that all three would be named in the Stags squad.
Stags forwards coach David Henderson may look again to starting two traditional No. 7s in some games this season.
rugbyheaven.co.nz
