Prop Ellison suffers injury heartache

WELLINGTON prop Jacob Ellison looks set for a long spell on the sidelines after dislocating his elbow during Friday’s 64-7 win against Counties-Manukau.

Ellison appeared to suffer the injury when he was hauled down just inches from the try-line on the stroke of half-time during the match at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium.

“He’s a huge player for our team and a huge person within the team,” coach Jamie Joseph said.

“Unfortunately it looks like he’s dislocated his elbow and will be some time. I’m really upset for him.”

A decision on whether a replacement will be brought in is expected next week once Neemia Tialata’s availability is known.

Tialata is with the New Zealand squad in South Africa but has not featured in the All Blacks’ past three Tri-Nations matches, with John Afoa preferred on the bench.

New Zealand’s next test is a midweek fixture against Samoa in New Plymouth on September 3, ahead of their final Tri-Nations match against Australia on September 13.

Wellington’s injury list is mounting. Already they are without lock Ross Filipo (calf), hooker Dane Coles (stress fracture in leg), fly-half Daniel Kirkpatrick (dislocated shoulder), while Joseph is having to nurse several players through training each week, including backs Tamati Ellison and Cory Jane.

But the coach is confident the players coming in can do the job required.

Fa’atonu Fili made the step up from club rugby to give an assured performance at fly-half against the Steelers, while hooker Ged Robinson and lock Api Naikatini had solid efforts in a match the forwards dominated.

“I have a lot of faith in the young guys and as you can see, we had a lot of young guys on there (against Counties) and they fronted,” Joseph said.

Wellington are top of the Air New Zealand Cup table with 15 points after three rounds, with Bay of Plenty second on 14 points and Canterbury third with 10 points.

Waikato, North Harbour, Taranaki, Auckland and Counties are at the bottom with four points.