Rugby: Southland lose key player to injury

Southland No 8 David Hall suffered a serious knee injury during the Ranfurly Shield victory over Canterbury. Photo / Getty Images

Southland's Air NZ Cup rugby hopes have taken a hit due to a serious knee injury to No 8 David Hall.

Hall faces surgery and a nine-month period of rehabilitation after tearing his left knee cartilage during his side's rousing Ranfurly Shield victory over Canterbury last week.

Southland play Wellington in a Cup semifinal in the capital on Saturday night, with Hua Tamariki expected to be named in Hall's place.

He replaced Hall in the 23rd minute of Southland's 9-3 shield win last Thursday, the province's first shield success in 50 years.

The Southland team are to participate in a street parade to celebrate that victory in Invercargill today before their focus switches fully to the Cup semifinal.

- NZPA