Koonwaiyou ruled out for season, injury concerns for Blues

Tony Koonwaiyou

A stress fracture has forced Crusaders winger Tony Koonwaiyou out of this year's Super 14.

The 22-year-old Aucklander has a stress fracture to the front of his right shin and will be replaced by Canterbury's Stephen Brett, who has been part of the Crusaders' wider training group.

Crusaders doctor Tony Page said it was hard to predict how long the injury would take to heal but this type of stress fracture usually took a few months to repair fully.

"The injury became apparent earlier this month and Tony has been in a splint for the past two weeks," Page said.

"As you can imagine it's an incredibly frustrating injury for someone who makes their living from their speed."

Crusaders coach Robbie Deans said the injury was disappointing for Koonwaiyou, who chose to join the Crusaders in the draft this year after having been drafted in each of the previous two years.

"He's indicated to us that he's keen to stick around and utilise the support of our medical staff and that's great as far as we are concerned," Deans said.

"And for Stephen Brett -- well he's gained an opportunity and he's earned it."

Meanwhile, there are also a few injury concerns for the Blues following their defeat by the Hurricanes on Friday night, Newstalk ZB reported.

Angus MacDonald is in doubt for the Highlanders game in Dunedin this Friday after suffering a hamstring strain, while Luke McAlister and Ben Atiga also missed training today in Auckland.

However, Coach David Nucifora said Steve Devine will be okay to play at Carisbrook.

Nucifora said he is confident he will not have to make too many knee-jerk changes other than covering for injury problems.

- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB