Rugby: Casualty ward tally reaches 42

Charlie Ngatai of the Hurricanes is carried from the field after being injured during the round 11 Super Rugby match between the Hurricanes and the Reds. Photo / Getty Images

The number of New Zealand Super 15 players sitting on the sidelines continues to grow with 42 now taking up room in the casualty ward.

Despite holding the top two spots in the New Zealand conference the Blues and Crusaders have the most players sidelined with 10 each.

The Hurricanes and Highlanders currently each have eight players out of action while the Highlanders are missing six.

22 current or former All Blacks make up the list with captain Richie McCaw and star first five-eighth Dan Carter leading the big names off the field.

The Crusaders seem to be hit the hardest; currently without McCaw and Carter along with fellow All Blacks Israel Dagg, Andy Ellis, Ben Franks, Brad Thorn and Sam Whitelock.

However Hurricanes and Blues fans could argue the case that injuries have a larger effect on their side.

The 'Canes have been without four current All Blacks for most of the season with Cory Janes, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, and Piri Weepu missing from their backline.

Meanwhile the Blues have four players ruled out for the rest of the season including All Black utility back Isaia Toeava who is out with a hip injury.

They are also without Tony Woodcock and Daniel Braid who are vital members to their forward pack.

CASUALTY WARD

Blues
Daniel Braid (Neck) • 8 weeks out
Charlie Faumuina (Hamstring) • 6 weeks
Kurtis Haiu Bone (Cancer) • Season
Jerome Kaino (Hamstring) • 1 week
Mat Luamanu (Hamstring) • 4 weeks
Brad Mika (Knee) • Season
Liaki Moli (Foot) • Season
Winston Stanley (Concussion) • 3 weeks
Isaia Toeava (Hip) • Season
Tony Woodcock (Foot) • 4 weeks

Chiefs
Colin Bourke (Knee) • Season
Tanerau Latimer (Concussion) • 3 weeks
Hayden Triggs (Back) • 2 weeks
Tana Umaga (Calf) • 3 weeks
Scott Waldrom (Shoulder) • Season
Nathan White (Back) • 1 week

Hurricanes
Karl Lowe (Knee) • 12 weeks
Serge Lilo (Knee/ankle) • 6 weeks
Cory Jane (Hamstring) • 4 weeks
Charlie Ngatai (Ankle) • Season
Ma'a Nonu (Eye socket) • 2 weeks
Conrad Smith (Nose) • 5 weeks
Rodney So'oialo (Back) • 10 weeks
Piri Weepu (Ankle) • 12 weeks

Crusaders
Daniel Carter (Hamstring) • 5 weeks
Israel Dagg (Thigh) • 4 weeks
Andy Ellis (Thumb) • 7 weeks
Kahn Fotuali'i (Knee) • 4 weeks
Ben Franks (Back) • 4 weeks
Sean Maitland (Knee) • 4 weeks
Richie McCaw (Concussion) • 1 week
Brad Thorn (Hamstring) • 3 weeks
Adam Whitelock (Chest) • 4 weeks
Sam Whitelock (Ankle) • 9 weeks

Highlanders
Kurt Baker (Back) • 12 weeks
Tony Brown (Hamstring) • 4 weeks
James Peterson (Chest) • Season
Siale Piutau (Groin) • Season
Colin Slade (Jaw) • 8 weeks
Adam Thomson (Rib) • 4 weeks
Kade Poki (Knee) • 2 weeks
Shaun Treeby (Knee) • 5 weeks

- HERALD ONLINE