Jacobs blow for Waratahs

Waratahs centre Ben Jacobs has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2008 Super 14 after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

Waratahs centre Ben Jacobs has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2008 Super 14 after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

The injury occurred in Saturday's victory over the Blues and will require surgery to rectify the problem.

Jacobs has been ever-present in the Waratahs back-line this season, starting every game to date at outside centre.

After injuring his left knee against the Crusaders two weeks ago, Jacobs was cleared to play against the Cheetahs and Blues, however it is his right knee which has caused the season-ending injury.

“It's really bad luck for BJ because he's made the number thirteen jersey his own over the last couple of years,” said Head Coach Ewen McKenzie.

“He's a hugely underrated player and a good organiser in our back-line so he's going to be missed.

“For our midfield it's also another hit in terms of experience, however we haven't been afraid to go with youth.”

However McKenzie is confident the Waratahs can overcome Jacobs' absence when they take on the Force at Subiaco Oval on Saturday.

“We've got a number of options open to us, and with the way the back-line plays it's not like we'll be lining up with guys who aren't used to playing together,” he added.

McKenzie will announce his squad to travel to Perth on Tuesday.