Three-try hero in doubt for return clash

[skeepe]

Three-try hero in doubt for return clashOctober 17, 2005 - 11:10AM

New Zealand's three-try hero Clinton Toopi is in doubt for Friday's second rugby league Tri-Nations Test against Australia in Auckland.

The centre is battling to overcome a knee injury sustained in Saturday's shock 38-28 win over the Kangaroos at Telstra Stadium in which he crossed for hat-trick of tries.

Hooker Lance Hohaia has already been ruled out of the Ericsson Stadium return match after suffering a leg injury on Saturday night.

"Toops [Toopi], we're not too sure, we're still assessing his injuries and he's under great care," Kiwis coach Brian McLennan said today.

"MRI scans are coming through and we'll have a better picture of how Clinton's going to be."

McLennan said the centre had been "sensational" against the Kangaroos.

"Clinton Toopi has the ability to do special things and he got provided that opportunity by his 16 mates to excel and do something.

"He's a special guy, Toops, not just as a footballer but as a bloke and it was really neat to see him go like that on Saturday night."

 

[Murphdogg1]

He will be sweet, keep the faith

 

[milton]

Are any of the euro based player's going to be in the team. Would love to see the volcano

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

\\\\/lol

1 Webb
2 Vatuvei
3 Vagana
4 Whatuira
5 Webster
6 Tony
7 Jones

We will win by even more

 

[Mal Meninga]

Needs more Luke Covell.

 

[Sun_Down]

Hmmm. Terrible luck for Toopi and NZ.

 

[Jono078]

Lets Go Georgie Boy!!!

Unlucky Toops.

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

How long is Soliola out for?

 

[Kris_man]

Soliola pulled out of the tour, Thierry.

Anyway, us Aussies should cane the Kiwis on Friday without Toopi and Pritchard, who caused havoc on the fringes imo. I like Solomona, he's a good bloke, but I don't think he's much of a threat to the defence tbh.

 

[Manu Vatuvei]

I thought Solomona was more dangerous than Pritchard, and that's why Pritchard made way for Puletua.