News

So`oialo still in doubt

Tuesday 20th May 2008

Injured duo: Rodney So'oialo (left) and Piri Weepu are giving their coach sleepless nights

All eyes will be on Hurricanes inspirational captain Rodney So'oialo this week after he was placed on the doubtful list for the Super 14 semi-final against the Crusaders on Saturday.

So'oialo suffered bruised ribs during last Friday's 17-19 loss to the Blues and coach Colin Cooper conveyed a grim message when asked whether the experienced All Blacks number eight would be fit for the match in Christchurch.

Scrum-half Piri Weepu also sat out a light training session on Tuesday because of a tight hamstring but was not providing Cooper with the same headache.

"Piri's okay, we expect him to be fine, Rodney's probably our main concern," Cooper told NZPA.

"He's got bruised ribs. We'll monitor him and make a decision during the week."

Full-back Cory Jane should be available after he pulled out of the Blues match on Friday morning because of a sore throat. He was almost not replaced as fog at Auckland airport delayed Shannon Paku's flight from Wellington. He arrived five hours before kick-off.

The return of All Blacks prop Neemia Tialata should be the only change to the Hurricanes' playing 22 with Willie Ripia again expected to start at fly-half ahead of Jimmy Gopperth.

It's unlikely any Hurricanes player would be a greater loss than So'oialo, who has started every game this season and has not let his workaholic standards drop.

"You can't get more important than the captain," Cooper said.

Fortunately for the Hurricanes, they have got decent loose forward depth, with Scott Waldrom or brother Thomas likely to start if So'oialo is ruled out.

Another member of the Hurricanes' international loose trio, Jerry Collins, has only just returned from bruised ribs which sidelined him for three games.

Cooper reflected on their final-round loss and what impact it may have mentally during the buildup this week.

While disappointed that defeat to the Blues meant the Hurricanes conceded a home ground semi-final, Cooper reckoned the scale of the match in Auckland had set his team up well.

"You couldn't ask for a better buildup," he said.

"We went up there in front of 37,000 people, both teams had to win at all costs.

"The intensity of that game was similar to a semi-final, and our buildup process this week will be very similar to the Blues."

Cooper and his players were regretting the loss of home ground advantage, but know there's no point crying over spilled milk and are keen to get on with the job.

"Losing a home semi, especially for the fans, was disappointing because it's a game we could have won," said Cooper.

"Now we've just got to do it the hard way."

The Hurricanes have beaten the Crusaders only once in Christchurch - under coach Graham Mourie in 2001 - with seven defeats and a draw showing how hard they have found life at what is now AMI Stadium.

Three times Cooper has taken the Hurricanes south during the Super Rugby play-offs and three times they have returned to Wellington defeated.

They were thumped 39-16 in 2003, hammered 47-7 in 2005 a week after they were dispatched 40-20 in the final round-robin match, and beaten 19-12 in the foggy final in 2006.

Despite such a dreadful record, Cooper, who has taken the Hurricanes to four semi-finals in six years, was confident they could win this week.

"The difference between '06 and now is that our set piece is stronger. Everything starts at the set piece and ours has been getting better and better," he said.

"If we can get accurate ball, and go-forward ball, then our backs are such a threat. The most accurate team will win and we will go down there with a lot of confidence."