Scott Robertson concern as All Blacks star issues injury update on ‘crushed’ collarbone

Experienced All Blacks centre Anton Lienert-Brown insists that he is “on the mend” after breaking his collarbone while playing for the Chiefs.

The 30-year-old was forced off at half-time of their Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Western Force in late April after suffering the injury in the opening period.

Lienert-Brown is therefore set for another spell on the sidelines and looks likely to miss the rest of the Super Rugby season.

Key All Black

The All Black, who has earned over 80 caps for the national team, only returned from a leg issue the week prior following a month out of action.

It has therefore been an injury-disrupted campaign for the talented centre and potentially puts his participation in the France series in doubt.

Lienert-Brown is remaining positive, however, after the surgery proved to be a success.

“It’s a week post-surgery now and it all went well, and I’m on the mend,” he told Sport Nation’s Izzy and Millsy show.

“I was just carrying and unfortunately got hit right on the collarbone, and it sort of got crushed. I came off at half-time, took off my strapping and wasn’t in too good of a place.”

The midfield maestro has been a key component in the All Blacks squad for several seasons and will likely be involved against France should he recover in time.

It would be a blow for Scott Robertson should the 30-year-old not make it, albeit Lienert-Brown is “pretty hopeful” that he will be back before the end of the Chiefs’ season.

“I’ve had surgery, they put a plate in and a few screws and hope the bone heals well. Normally they heal fast so I’m pretty hopeful and confident that somewhere along the Chiefs’ season I will be available,” he said.

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Improving recovery

Lienert-Brown is certainly doing everything he can to return as quickly as possible, using a variety of methods to improve recovery time.

“It’s all about healing so I’m trying new things and one of them is a hyperbaric chamber,” he revealed. “That’s been pretty exciting seeing what that’s about, seeing the benefits of that.

“Injuries are frustrating but it’s all a part of sport. I always say there is still a lot to be grateful for and always make it a thing that rugby is not everything in my life, and there’s other things you can focus on.

“A big part of it is healing and doing that work, and trying to get back out on the park, but outside of it there are other things you can do as well.”

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