Rugby: Injury to Tupou frustrates Umaga as he surveys lengthy sick list

Injury may rule Counties forward Jimmy Tupou out for the ITM season. Photo / Getty Images

Counties coach Tana Umaga is annoyed at the Crusaders for not acting on Jimmy Tupou's wrist injury, a problem likely to rule the loose forward out of the game for the rest of the year, however it appears it may not be the franchise's fault.

Tupou, who turned 21 last week, played a back-up role for the Crusaders this year, his first in Super rugby, but returned to ITM Cup duty with a fractured scaphoid bone.

"We relied on Jimmy due to the fact that we knew that he wasn't getting much game time and we counted on him being available for us from the start," Umaga said.

"He's pretty dejected about not being able to contribute on the field ... sometimes we have to look at how we're looking after our players. He's had that sore wrist for a while but he never had an x-ray down there [Christchurch] so it is an issue."

However, Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said Deb Robinson, the team's doctor who joined the franchise from the All Blacks, twice presented Tupou with x-ray forms when the player complained of soreness late in the season. Blackadder said Tupou failed to use them, adding that Crusaders physio John Roche then contacted Counties to inform the province of the situation.

Umaga's frustration probably stems from the fact that several of his top players have already been ruled out ahead of his team's first season in the Premiership after their promotion last year. They open their season on Thursday night with a match at Pukekohe against Wellington without hooker Mahonri Schwalger, who recently had knee surgery, and halfback Augustine Pulu and utility back Tim Nanai-Williams, who also need surgery on leg injuries.

Tupou, a former member of New Zealand's Under-20 squad, is a player with plenty of promise. At 1.96m tall, he can play blindside flanker, No8 or lock.

Blackadder said: "I can understand Tana's frustration there. A player like Jimmy would have been a key figure for Counties this season. It is just unfortunate that it turned out like it did."

Umaga said: "We've had our injury issues even before the season has started which is not helpful but I know we're not the only province to have that ... it just gives guys the opportunity and tests our depth which we've been working on for the last couple of years."

Compounding Umaga's problems is the fact that Wellington will include a forward pack containing an excellent tight five and a loose trio of Ardie Savea, Brad Shields and recently rejected All Black Victor Vito.

"It's not going to be easy for us, but we always knew it wouldn't be easy," said Umaga. "We love the challenge of trying to play against the bigger unions.

"Our guys have aspirations as well. If they're playing against All Blacks and future All Blacks it's the opportunity to play against the best of the best and that's what is so good about this competition."