Quade Cooper and Jake Schatz ruled out of South African tour due to injury
St.George Queensland Reds flyhalf Quade Cooper and Number 8 Jake Schatz have been ruled out of the side’s two-week tour of South Africa, after suffering injuries in last night’s loss to the Rebels in Melbourne.
Cooper fractured his scapula making a tackle, while Schatz ruptured a tendon in his elbow after his arm was caught in an awkward position in a ruck. Cooper will be sidelined for up to eight weeks, while Schatz will be reviewed in four weeks.
The Reds head to Johannesburg this Sunday and head coach Richard Graham said he would take the next 24 hours to make a decision as to who would join the 27-man squad for the tour.
“I will have a meeting with the coaching staff today about what balance we need to achieve within the squad, but the benefit we do have is we have had a number of younger players gain further experience at Super Rugby level earlier this season,” Graham said.
“After building on a good foundation from last week, it’s disappointing to lose the two boys ahead of an important tour.
“The playing group showed incredible resolve to play out 60 minutes of last night’s match with just 14 men and still be a shot at winning the match, so I have no doubt they’ll take a similar approach to this set back.
“All we need to worry about is the things we can control – and that is our attitude, preparation and performance.”
The Reds squad for South Africa will be announced via media release tomorrow, ahead of their departure to Johannesburg.
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