Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Reds lose Slipper for Chiefs semi

Posted June 21, 2011 12:43:00

Queensland prop James Slipper has been ruled out of the Reds' Super Rugby semi-final despite receiving encouraging news on his ankle injury.

He will not require further surgery on his high ankle sprain, suffered in Saturday's 19-11 win over the Chiefs, after an arthroscopy on Tuesday revealed a "best case scenario".

But the rising Test prop will not be considered for Saturday week's (July 2) semi-final at Lang Park.

"The successful arthroscopy confirmed initial scans of syndesmosis, although fears of a prolonged period on the sideline have been alleviated," a Reds statement said.

"A worst case scenario for Slipper would have seen him ruled out of the entire finals series and potentially the early stages of the Wallabies campaign."

It remains to be seen whether Slipper features in the Reds' finals campaign, despite his reputation as a fast healer.

The 22-year-old returned two weeks early from a shoulder problem mid-season and quickly found the form which ensured he became Australia's bolter of 2010, playing 14 Tests and ending the year as starting tighthead.

But Reds coach Ewen McKenzie will be wary of pushing Slipper and jeopardising his Tri-Nations and World Cup hopes.

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, brisbane-4000


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