Crushing injuries hit Super Rugby Aotearoa

NEWS: A few stars will be missing when Super Rugby Aotearoa gets underway this weekend.

According to reports coming out of New Zealand, the Chiefs will be without captain Sam Cane when they face the Highlanders in Dunedin.

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are expected to be without star fullback Jordie Barrett for at least three weeks.

TVNZ reported on Tuesday that Cane is suffering from a back injury and has been ruled out of the trip to the Forsyth Barr Stadium. The match against the Highlanders is being labelled as the first rugby match since the Covid-19 pandemic started.

Story continues below...

According to the New Zealand Herald, Jordie Barrett has a shoulder injury and he might need surgery, which could see him out on the sidelines for longer than the expected three weeks.

It means fans will not be able to see the Jordie's mouth-watering clash with his older brother Beauden, who recently joined the Blues.

In the first round of Super Rugby Aotearoa the Highlanders host the Chiefs on Saturday and on Sunday, the Blues will host the Hurricanes at Eden Park.

In a further boost, there will be no restrictions on crowd numbers for the new competition.

Source: TVNZ, New Zealand Herald and Stuff