News

Tuitavake out of action

Thursday 04th September 2008

Sidelined: Tuitavake will be out of action for six weeks

All Blacks winger Anthony Tuitavake has been ruled out of all rugby for at least six weeks.

Scans have revealed he fractured a cheekbone in the win over Manu Samoa in New Plymouth on Wednesday.

Assistant coach Steve Hansen says they are yet to decide whether they will replace Tuitavake ahead of next weekend's Tri-Nations decider in Brisbane.

He pointed out they have plenty of cover but will decide over the weekend.

Tuitavake's injury means he's unlikely to be seen for North Harbour in the Air New Zealand Cup but could make the All Blacks' end-of-year tour to the UK.

Graham Henry had earlier given his side a clean bill of health saying Tuitavake had taken "a bit of a head knock" but was fine.