An All Blacks flyer will miss the rest of the year after suffering a punctured lung in last month’s bruising win over the Springboks at Eden Park.
Emoni Narawa was injured just five minutes into the Rugby Championship clash when he collided mid-air with Handré Pollard while contesting a high kick. Pollard’s raised knee struck Narawa’s upper torso, leaving him doubled over in pain before he was helped off the field.
MORE: Razor gets playmaker back for Grand Slam tour
Initial reports suggested fractured ribs, but an All Blacks spokesperson has since confirmed Narawa sustained a lung puncture, which has since healed. He is expected to make a full recovery in time for next season.
Despite the injury, Narawa still had a memorable start to the Test, scoring in the second minute to set the tone for Ardie Savea’s 100th match – a 24-17 victory that extended New Zealand’s 31-year unbeaten run at Eden Park.
“What a week to be part of! Defend the fortress and ASAV100,” Narawa wrote on Instagram.
“But sometimes on the biggest stage, the game you love doesn’t love you back. Just a little hiccup on the road.”
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson confirmed after the recent win over Australia in Perth that Narawa will not travel on next month’s northern tour.
“Geez, that was a tough injury for him,” Robertson said.
“That was worse than we’d hoped or expected, so he’ll be out for this year.”
ALSO: All Blacks climb World Rugby rankings
The Fijian-born Chiefs flyer had been working his way back into the national setup after missing last year’s World Cup with a back injury. He made his return in July’s Test win over France and had been chosen to counter South Africa’s aerial threat on the right wing.
Narawa’s absence opens the door for Leroy Carter, who has impressed in his first three Tests with a try in each outing, while Caleb Clarke and Leicester Fainga’anuku also remain strong options in Robertson’s back-three rotation.
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
The post All Black ruled out of Grand Slam tour appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
