Lyons ruled out of S14 final
2008-05-29 14:40
Sydney - A hamstring injury has forced Waratahs backrower David Lyons out of the Super 14 final against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.
Lyons injured himself a week ago but was hoping to recover
in time to make his final appearance for the Waratahs before
moving to Europe next season.
"The temptation for many players to play would have been
huge but David's always been about the team and although this
is extremely disappointing for him he didn't want to play if he wasn't 100%," Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie said in a
statement on Thursday.
"Even though David won't be on the park on Saturday, his input and tactical nous will be important for the squad in the final lead-up to the match."
While Lyons failed in his bid to make the team, there was
better news for Waratahs hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau, who was
cleared to resume playing after missing last weekend's 28-13
semi-final win over the Sharks in Sydney.
McKenzie said Australia test hooker Adam Freier would
return to the bench, providing the Waratahs with added depth in
every position.
Semi-final victory
"It's an exciting blend and we won't die wondering on Saturday," he said.
The Crusaders have also changed their hooker with Ti'i
Paulo replacing Corey Flynn after he broke his arm in their
33-22 semi-final victory over Wellington.
"It's obviously bad luck for Corey, but we have every
confidence in Ti'i," Crusaders coach Robbie Deans said.
"He's played very well for us when given the opportunity, and I'm sure he will do so again."
The Crusaders go into Saturday's clash as overwhelming
favourites to win their seventh title after beating the Waratahs 34-7 at home in March and finishing the regular season on top of the standings.
They boast a stunning line-up packed with New Zealand
internationals including All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw and
flyhalf Dan Carter, who are among seven Crusaders who played in
the side that beat the Waratahs in the 2005 final.
"Finals are always great, the intensity, the uncertainty is what the sport's all about," said Deans, who will be in charge of the Crusaders for the last time after accepting the job of coaching Australia.
- Reuters