Crusaders playmaker Taha Kemara has been ruled out of the remaining Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season with a ruptured ACL in his left knee.
The 22-year-old had been enjoying a breakout season in the No. 10 jersey for the Crusaders, but went down in the fifth minute of play against the Highlanders over the weekend.
Coach Rob Penney says they are obviously hurting for Taha and his family, but they know he will work really hard to get back on that pitch in a better place than he was before; that’s just who he is.
Kemara says when you get a long-term injury, your thoughts go to the security of yourself and your family, but the management have been awesome in terms of reassuring him that he is going to be in their plans for the long-term.
He says that made him feel so much better, coming off the field knowing they’ve got his back no matter what.
Rivez Reihana made a timely return for the Crusaders in the round 11 contest and was able to steer the team to victory in the first five-eighth role.
Reihana and Wallaby veteran James O’Connor will share the playmaker responsibilities for the remainder of the season.
The Crusaders have a bye in round 12 before a top-of-the-table clash with the Chiefs in round 13.
In other matches this week, the Blues will host the Force at 7.05pm tomorrow, the Hurricanes will take on the Chiefs at 7.05pm Saturday, the Brumbies will take on the Waratahs at 9.35pm Saturday, and the Highlanders will take on Moana Pasifika at 3.35pm Sunday.
[Source: Rugbypass]
