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Thursday, 27 March 2014

Piri Weepu Suffers Stroke

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New Zealand scrumhalf Piri Weepu will miss at least four weeks of Super Rugby for hisAuckland Blues side as he recovers from a minor stroke.

The 30-year-old had a scan on Monday after complaining of migraine-like symptoms dating back to the start of this month, and will need further tests to determine the cause of the stroke, the club said today.

“Piri and his family have the full support of the organisation. He’s getting the best possible care and advice and we are grateful this has been picked up by our medical experts, as often minor strokes remain undetected,” Blues head coach John Kirwan said on the team’s website (www.theblues.co.nz).

The stroke may have occurred before the team travelled to South Africa in early March.

“Piri presented with transient symptoms that could have been from a migraine before he travelled and was cleared by specialists to travel, as long as he was monitored,” team doctor Stephen Kara said. “He had no other symptoms to raise further concern while we were away.

“We took the precaution of getting an MRI scan for him this week and we are thankful we are now getting to the bottom of this issue. Having spoken to Auckland City Hospital specialists, we are very confident that Piri’s condition is not associated with any injury, in particular, any head injury.

“This was a minor stroke and he is expected to make a full recovery. However, any stroke is serious for anyone at any age and we must now take the time to fully understand the cause of it and the implications for Piri.”

Bryn Hall will start at scrumhalf for the Blues, who lie eighth in the southern hemisphere competition and take on New Zealand rivals the Highlanders at Eden Park on Saturday.

Kirwan has also promoted explosive inside centre Ma’a Nonu and fellow All BlackJerome Kaino to the starting side from the bench as the players recover from injuries. Kaino starts at blindside flanker as Steven Luatua shifts to number eight to cover Peter Saili, who had suffered a sore foot and was unable to take full part in training.

Sunday, 4 August 2013

Perenaru Blacks Call Makes Piri Weepu

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New Zealand have selected uncapped scrum half TJ Perenara ahead of veteran Piri Weepu in their squad for the Investec Rugby Championship.

Weepu, capped 71 times by the All Blacks, is one of four players involved in the Steinlager Series against France in June to be missing from this 28-man squad - prop Ben Afeaki, and loose forwards Victor Vito and Matt Todd the others, while Rene Ranger is out for personal reasons.

But while Weepu has been dropped, head coach Steve Hansen said it did not have to mean the end of his international career. "Firstly, we would like to congratulate TJ on his selection in the All Blacks. He has been impressive over the last couple of years and we feel the timing is right to now bring him into the squad," Hansen said.

"On the flipside, it's always difficult and disappointing for players when they miss out on selection, particularly for players like Piri and Victor who have been involved in the team for a number of years. But we have made it clear what we expect from them and the door is certainly not closed if they can deliver on those expectations." Captain Richie McCaw is back to add to his 116 caps following his recent break from the game, while Charlie Faumuina returns from a calf injury.

The upcoming series will pitch New Zealand against Australia, Argentina and South Africa, starting with the first Bledisoe Cup clash of the year against Australia in Sydney on August 17.

"As always, that opening Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney is going to be a huge match," Hansen added.

"Whilst we were happy with what we achieved in the Steinlager Series in June, we will now be looking to build a greater understanding and greater execution of the detail within our game structure - and there is no better place to test yourself than in this competition. South Africa, Australia and Argentina will be even better than they were last year and we will have to be as well." In addition to the 28 players selected, Wellington lock Jeremy Thrush and Blues pair Francis Saili and Counties Manukau will train with New Zealand while still appearing for their clubs, while Crusaders prop Joe Moody has been called up as injury cover for Wyatt Crockett who is to miss the start of the Championship with a knee injury.

New Zealand squad: Forwards: Dane Coles, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Tony Woodcock, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Samuel Whitelock, Sam Cane, Steven Luatuam, Richie McCaw, Liam Messam, Kieran Read.

Backs: Tawera Kerr-Barlow, T.J. Perenara, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Daniel Carter, Aaron Cruden, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Israel Dagg, Charles Piutau, Julian Savea, Ben Smith.