Chiefs to finish without Willis
Monday May 01 2006
Concussion rules hooker out
The Chiefs will almost certainly complete their remaining Super 14 fixtures - against the table-topping Waratahs and the Blues - without hooker Tom Willis, who was concussed in a high tackle during the team's 35-10 loss to the Hurricanes last Saturday.
Hurricanes flanker Chris Masoe struck Willis just two minutes into the game and was penalised for the tackle, but the All Blacks openside flank has escaped further punishment with no citing reported.
"I have got a very strong view on that tackle," Foster told the New Zealand media after the match.
Willis stayed on the field until the 30th minute, before going to the blood-bin and never re-emerging, Foster saying he was badly dazed and obviously concussed.
The Chiefs host the top-of-the-table Waratahs at Waikato Stadium this Saturday and then travel to Auckland to face the Blues the following week.
Foster said with the team's play-off prospects now nothing more than a remote mathematical possibility, it is all about pride in the last two rounds.
"It's a test of a team's character how they keep going and the levels they keep at," Foster said.
"And if there's a lot of internal pride in the performances, which I know our guys have, they will carry on.
"We haven't been beaten like this on the scoreboard this year and we certainly want to finish strong in this campaign whatever eventuates in the next two games."
link
[/b]
