In-form Hurricanes’ hooker Asafo Aumua faces a setback, as he’ll be sidelined for an estimated two months due to a knee injury incurred during last weekend’s Super Rugby Pacific clash in Fiji. Aumua suffered an isolated medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear in his left knee, prompting his early exit from the match against Fijian Drua in Lautoka. This injury prognosis effectively rules him out for approximately six to eight weeks, effectively placing him on the sidelines for the remainder of the Super Rugby Pacific season, which culminates in the final on June 22nd.
Aumua’s absence comes at a crucial juncture, given the Hurricanes’ stellar performance this season, where they maintain an undefeated position atop the Super Rugby standings. The 26-year-old hooker has been a linchpin in the team’s success, with his exceptional form even positioning him as a contender for a potential return to the All Blacks squad later this year. However, with the injury sidelining him, his aspirations for national team selection might be delayed.
The All Blacks’ first test match of the year, slated against England in Dunedin on July 6th, looms as a potential target for Aumua’s return. Having accrued six test caps since his debut in 2017, with his most recent appearance against Italy in Rome in 2021, Aumua’s international career trajectory faces a temporary halt due to this injury setback.
Within the Hurricanes squad, James O’Reilly and Jacob Devery have been other options at hooker, albeit Devery currently sidelined with an injury of his own. In light of Aumua’s absence, Raymond Tuputupu emerges as a likely backup in the hooker position, stepping into the void left by club legend Dane Coles, who departed last year to pursue his rugby career in Japan.
As the Hurricanes navigate the remainder of the season without Aumua’s formidable presence on the field, they’ll rely on the depth of their squad and the adaptability of players like Tuputupu to maintain their momentum in pursuit of Super Rugby Pacific success.
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