All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has admitted that the concussions suffered by centre Ryan Crotty is a concern to him and his team.
Crotty was forced off the field early during the All Blacks’ 38-13 Bledisloe Cup victory over Sydney on Saturday after an accidental clash of heads with midfield partner Jack Goodhue.
That was Crotty’s sixth concussion in the last 18 months and there are worries in the All Black camp around the 29-year-old.
Crotty will miss the rematch with the Wallabies in Auckland on Saturday although medical checks after the match in Sydney suggested he will be fine to play in the Rugby Championship later on.
“It concerns us, definitely,” Hansen told Stuff of Crotty’s concussion issues.
“He’s already seen a specialist and they’ve given him the all-clear. From our understanding as long as you fully recover and don’t go back when you’re not fully recovered, then you’re OK.
“He was just unlucky last night. It was freaky – friendly fire from Jack straight in the face. It would have knocked most of us out.”
Crotty’s All Blacks team-mate, openside flanker Sam Cane was more circumspect when giving his opinion on the matter.
“It’s not nice to see,” he said of Crotty’s head knock.
“It’s just a tough injury. Everything else has a time-frame but there’s just so much unknown with head knocks and it seems like you can be only one away, if it’s the wrong one, from it being then end of it.
“I’ve seen that with a few mates. It certainly helps you appreciate every week and every game you have and realising how fickle it can be.”
Cane also praised the actions of Wallaby back-row David Pocock, who immediately went to Crotty’s aid after he was knocked out, instead of chasing play.
“It speaks pretty highly of his character and the type of guy he is if he’s willing to put the battle to one side in that moment and put the player’s welfare first,” added Cane, who has also had concussion issues in the past.
“So, thank you David.”
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