The Chiefs have set up a blockbuster home Super Rugby Pacific semifinal against the Crusaders, but star No 8 Wallace Sititi will be a major absentee, after suffering a sickening concussion in the 46-24 qualifying final win over the Reds in Hamilton on Saturday night.
There were harrowing scenes for the 11,787 at a rain-soaked FMG Stadium Waikato, as a typically-hard charge suddenly left Sititi laying on the turf shaking uncontrollably in the 18th minute.
Medics rushed from all corners to attend to the 23-year-old, who a few minutes later was surprisingly allowed to rise to his feet, still looking completely out of it, before perching on the medicab and subsequently being taken to hospital.
The Chiefs provided an update this morning, saying Sititi was “at home and feeling good”.
They say that Sititi wants to thank everyone for their love and support and scans at Waikato Hospital did not reveal any issues.
Wallace will be assessed and cared for through the concussion protocols.
Reds lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto was yellow-carded for the shoulder-to-head tackle, but on TMO review it was not upgraded to red, with referee James Doleman explaining Sititi had lowered into the contact, as well as some subsequent freak friendly-fire from Chiefs prop Sione Ahio actually being identified as where the knockout blow occurred.
Sititi, a certainty to make Dave Rennie’s 34-men Nations Championship squad on June 22nd, will be on a mandatory 12-day stand-down from playing, so potentially could play in the final if the Chiefs make it, but time will tell just when he is mandated to make it back.
Source: stuff.co.nz
