Injury gives Broadhurst cup opening

Dual hip surgery will sideline Patrick Tuipulotu until next year. Photo / Getty Images

With Patrick Tuipulotu needing surgery, impressive lock may get All Black call-up.

Hopes of an All Black call-up will continue to rise for lock James Broadhurst after the latest World Cup mishap.

The Hurricanes second-rower is pushing into frontline contention after it was confirmed yesterday that dual hip surgery for Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu will rule him out of rugby until next year.

"All options were carefully considered including ongoing treatment for Patrick but surgery is the best decision for the long-term career in such a young player," Blues doctor Stephen Kara said.

Initial surgery on one hip will take place this week and his other hip will be operated on in six weeks.

Tuipulotu is the second leading casualty joining five-eighths Aaron Cruden as a spectator when the World Cup starts in September.

"I am only 22 and I could be around for two more World Cups," Tuipulotu said.

"The best thing for me and my well-being is to have this surgery now which gives me the time I need to rehab properly and come back stronger, fitter and better."

Tuipulotu is among a list of a dozen injured Blues players with tighthead prop Charlie Faumuina the latest to be ruled out for the season with a neck injury, joining fellow test prop Tony Woodcock, who misses those matches with a shoulder problem.

On the last tour of Europe, Tuipulotu was one of five All Black locks with Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano and Jeremy Thrush.

Retallick has been spelled from Super Rugby action twice this season with shoulder problems but when fit, he and Sam Whitelock are the All Blacks' premier locking combination.

Romano broke his leg last May and had a bit part role in one game on tour.

He, with a number of Crusaders teammates, has been slow to fire this season although there was more spark from him last match against the Hurricanes.

Both Thrush and Broadhurst have impressed in a tight five which has given the Hurricanes a platform to work from through most of their campaign. They have driven the basics strongly with their setpiece disciplines.

Thrush has been more of a lineout target while Broadhurst has impressed with his athletic ball-carrying and defence in the wide channels and also close to the rucks. His impact has gone up a notch and in most matches he has shown the constructive power the All Blacks want from their tight five.