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‘Dropped 2kgs already’: Patrick Tuipulotu provides update on injury layoff
After breaking his jaw in Japan earlier this month, Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu has revealed he’s already lost two kilograms as the injury keeps him to just “soft” and “mashed food.”
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Tuipulotu, 31, was injured in the dying stages of the Blues’ emphatic pre-season win over Tokyo Sungoliath in Tokyo after colliding with teammate Adrian Choat in a set-piece play.
While the Blues remained in the Land of the Rising Sun ahead of their second pre-season clash with Yokohama Canon Eagles – which they won 57-22 – Tuipulotu returned to New Zealand.
With the Blues and Tuipulotu both expecting surgery, the original prognosis wasn’t great for the All Blacks lock. Tuipulotu was set to miss between eight to 10 weeks.
But the latest update will come as a relief to Blues fans, and potentially All Blacks supporters who expect Tuipulotu to be back in the mix under new coach Scott Robertson.
“Yeah not too bad. I don’t have to get surgery so good signs there. Hopefully another six to eight weeks,” Tuipulotu told reporters on Auckland. “Aiming to be back around (round) five, six.
“I had a broken arm last year, (but) before the season even starts and having a broken jaw is a bit frustrating.
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“I’ve got the resilience to be had during this time so if I keep myself busy enough around the team I should be okay.
“No strenuous activity but still light stuff. On the baby food with my little one,” he added.
“I’ve broken the other side of my jaw pretty bad so I know what a proper break is like. This one is not too bad.”
It’s a cruel blow for Tuipulotu considering the circumstances of the year ahead. With All Blacks greats Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick retiring from international duty, Tuipulotu was among the leading candidates to step up into New Zealand’s second row.
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But, at least for now, steps towards a potential international return have been put on hold, although international honours remain at the top of his list.
“That’s certainly the goal this year as well as staying injury-free,” Tuipulotu said.
“I suppose there’s a silver lining in that it’s early on in the season still got a big year of rugby to go.”
With former boss Leon MacDonald leaving the Blues to take up an opportunity as part of the All Blacks’ new-look coaching staff, the Auckland-based franchise needed a new head coach.
Internationally-renowned coach Vern Cotter, who was previously in charge of the Flying Fijians, has stepped into the role on a two-year deal.
“Vern’s a bit old school but in saying that he’s got a good eye for things around the team.
“A lot of our forward work has been pretty good right through pre-season. He brings a good edge to that.
“I’ve enjoyed pre-season and working with him up until now.
“Looking forward to round one. Obviously we’ve had two pre-season games in Japan which prepped us well – we had some good games there, obviously a few things to work on.
“I’m certainly looking forward to the start of the season.”
The Blues get their 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season underway against the ever-dangerous Fijian Drua at Okara Park, Whangarei, on February 24th.
Comments on RugbyPass
It’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
22 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
22 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
44 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
4 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
44 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
44 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
4 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
7 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments“While Sotutu should start at No.8 for the All Blacks against England, but it’s only in that arena that he can prove just how good he really is.” And that my friends is where simply hasnt shone despite multiple opportunities. Even in this performance you can see what did him in in the test arena..he almost always still runs at the opposition almost ramrod upright making him easier to stop than it should be.
7 Go to commentsShould have been 0-0 and a message from SR CEO to both teams - “don’t worry about turning up next year”.
4 Go to commentsGreat work Owen Franks. A great of this team, scoring his first try for the Crusaders since 2010.He was beaming, justifiably. A fine win, he and the rest did the job up front.
1 Go to commentsDanny Care. Lang in die tand.
1 Go to commentsBig empty stadium does nothing for atmosphere but munster are playing well with solid performance
1 Go to commentsYes, Fiji can win the World Cup! With that belief plus their christian faith🙏 and hard work it is achievable. Great article. Ian Duncan Fiji resident 1981-84
2 Go to comments