ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Richie McCaw knocked out cold after getting his head on the wrong side of a tackle

BY mattmon10  ·  Tuesday Apr 28, 2015

All Black flanker Richie McCaw was left unconscious for a short period in the Crusaders Super Rugby match this weekend after taking a nasty knock to the head whilst making a covering tackle on Blues fullback, Lolagi Visinia.

After securing an impressive turnover, the Blues were quick to spread the ball to the wing in an effort to launch a counter attack against a disorganised Crusaders defence. 

McCaw rushed forward to make the hit, but unfortunately his head ended up on the wrong side as he made contact, causing his body to immediately appear limp as he fell to the floor.

Play continued as the Crusaders openside lay prone, devoid of movement for a good few seconds, and when he did eventually come round he was visibly dazed and uneasy on his feet.

Immediately following the collision McCaw was expected to undergo concussion tests to see if he was able to continue, but having viewed the replays Crusaders coach, Todd Blackadder, determined himself that his flanker had been knocked out and must be replaced. 

Blackadder was very clear in his stance that, although he appreciates just how important a presence the openside flanker brings, the safety of his players is paramount.

The latest is that McCaw has been ruled out of the Crusaders’ crunch match with the Hurricanes due to the time frame needed for recovery.

“He had a bit of a mild headache yesterday morning and by yesterday evening he was feeling really well,” Crusaders doctor Deb Robinson explained on Tuesday. “But we made the decision that, if was still symptomatic on Monday, he wouldn’t play this weekend.”

She added that his last concussion was back in 2011, and said that he’s been at the Crusaders team meetings and if he’s feeling better tomorrow, will start doing some bike work, which will start his road to recovery. He is expected to be fit for the Reds clash the following week.

The incident is reminiscent of Leigh Halfpenny’s recent concussion in the Six Nations when he got his head on the wrong side whilst tackling Italian Number 8, Samuela Vunisa.

credit: le rugbynistere

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 80 WEEKS AGO

    Breaking down the greatest year of international...

  • 261 WEEKS AGO

    scottish prop saves fire victim

  • 265 WEEKS AGO

    New Rugby X tournament insane



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 23 HOURS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 98 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 98 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All