Tough Week for All Blacks: Lienert-Brown Injured, Telea Suspended

The All Blacks have a tough week, with Anton Lienert-Brown and Mark Telea suffering setbacks which will affect Super Rugby Pacific as well as their respective international teams.

Anton Lienert – Brown, the All Blacks centre for the Chiefs, will sit out the remainder of the Super Rugby Pacific season after suffering a collarbone injury in the Chiefs 56-22 victory over Western Force. Lienert-Brown had only just made his comeback from a month-long layoff with a leg injury before suffering this latest setback. The 30 year old expressed his frustration on social media, saying “Footy doesn’t always love you back, such is life.” He later said, “Surgery and then a speedy recovery on the way.” Lienert – Brown’s injury is a serious loss for the Chiefs in their weekend pursuit of the No.1 position.

Adding insult to injury, Auckland Blues winger Mark Telea has received a three game suspension for a dangerous tackle on Tim Ryan of the Queensland Reds during a 35-21 defeat in Brisbane. This suspension could severely impede the Blues’ efforts to compete in the playoffs as they currently sit in ninth position on the table with five rounds remaining.

This latest news complicates the All Blacks’ plans. Lienert-Brown’s injury means he’ll possibly miss the super season. Telea’s suspension also limits wing options and highlights the need for depth and fortitude as we deal with these difficulties as a team.