In a gut-wrenching turn of events for Highlanders' hotshot Caleb Tangitau, the promising wing's rise has been brutally halted by a severe injury. During a disheartening 42-12 defeat to the Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific action, Tangitau tore his Achilles tendon, casting a long shadow over his season, and potentially, his budding career.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph delivered the grim prognosis post-match, revealing the extent of Tangitau's injury. "It looks as though he’s ruptured his Achilles. That’s really disappointing for him – a young winger coming in and playing really good rugby, coming in and scoring awesome tries," lamented Joseph. The 23-year-old speedster, who had already racked up seven tries in 11 matches this season, was on the radar for an All Blacks debut this year thanks to his electrifying performances.
"He’s aspiring to become an All Black and play at the highest level."
Despite the setback, Joseph remained optimistic about Tangitau's recovery prospects. "I guess he’s young, that’s on his side, and the surgeons these days are pretty good. He’ll be back," he affirmed.
The injury not only caught the eye of the Highlanders' camp but also All Blacks coach Dave Rennie, who was present at the game. The incident added to the tension of the evening, which also saw Chiefs flyhalf Damian McKenzie endure a harrowing moment, lying motionless after being accidentally kicked while tackling. McKenzie, a pivotal figure with 74 caps for New Zealand, is now facing a mandatory 12-day stand-down for recovery.
Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes reflected on the incident with McKenzie, relieved yet cautious. "He got a pretty decent stun there. We took all the right precautions with him. It looked pretty bad, but they got to him pretty quick, and he’s up on his feet and talking and walking around," Gibbes explained.
While the Chiefs celebrated their seventh consecutive victory, the Highlanders were left to rue what might have been, as they now sit precariously outside the playoff positions, needing a favorable turn in other results to sneak into the top six. With the competition heating up, every play counts, but for Caleb Tangitau, the only play now is a patient wait for recovery and a hopeful return to the sport he was just beginning to dominate.
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In a gut-wrenching turn of events for Highlanders' hotshot Caleb Tangitau, the promising wing's rise has been brutally halted by a severe injury. During a disheartening 42-12 defeat to the Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific action, Tangitau tore his Achilles tendon, casting a long shadow over his season, and potentially, his budding career.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph delivered the grim prognosis post-match, revealing the extent of Tangitau's injury. "It looks as though he’s ruptured his Achilles. That’s really disappointing for him – a young winger coming in and playing really good rugby, coming in and scoring awesome tries," lamented Joseph. The 23-year-old speedster, who had already racked up seven tries in 11 matches this season, was on the radar for an All Blacks debut this year thanks to his electrifying performances.
"He’s aspiring to become an All Black and play at the highest level."
Despite the setback, Joseph remained optimistic about Tangitau's recovery prospects. "I guess he’s young, that’s on his side, and the surgeons these days are pretty good. He’ll be back," he affirmed.
The injury not only caught the eye of the Highlanders' camp but also All Blacks coach Dave Rennie, who was present at the game. The incident added to the tension of the evening, which also saw Chiefs flyhalf Damian McKenzie endure a harrowing moment, lying motionless after being accidentally kicked while tackling. McKenzie, a pivotal figure with 74 caps for New Zealand, is now facing a mandatory 12-day stand-down for recovery.
Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes reflected on the incident with McKenzie, relieved yet cautious. "He got a pretty decent stun there. We took all the right precautions with him. It looked pretty bad, but they got to him pretty quick, and he’s up on his feet and talking and walking around," Gibbes explained.
While the Chiefs celebrated their seventh consecutive victory, the Highlanders were left to rue what might have been, as they now sit precariously outside the playoff positions, needing a favorable turn in other results to sneak into the top six. With the competition heating up, every play counts, but for Caleb Tangitau, the only play now is a patient wait for recovery and a hopeful return to the sport he was just beginning to dominate.