Laidlaw Addresses All Black Star’s Injury Following Hurricanes’ Playoff Exit
Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw has clarified that co-captain Asafo Aumua was never genuinely in contention to play in the Qualifying Final against the Brumbies, despite originally being listed in the starting lineup. The All Blacks hooker was later ruled out after sustaining a hamstring injury during training.
The injury, which occurred earlier in the week, led to Aumua limping off the practice field. Though the team initially named him in the matchday squad released on Wednesday, they revised the lineup on Thursday, officially confirming that Aumua would not be fit for the crucial clash. The Hurricanes stated via social media that further updates on his condition would be available following additional medical assessments next week.
Jacob Devery was elevated to the starting hooker position, while Raymond Tuputupu was named on the bench for the ninth time this season.
Speaking after the Hurricanes’ 35-28 defeat in Canberra, Laidlaw said, “Nah, he wasn’t close. We gave it 24 hours after the injury happened, but it quickly became evident that it was a fairly serious hamstring issue, one that’s going to require several weeks of recovery.”
“Injuries like this are part of the game, especially at this stage of the season,” he added. “If there’s a silver lining, it’s in the depth we’re building and the strong retention of players heading into next year and beyond. Once the sting of this loss fades, we’ll begin looking forward.”
Despite Aumua’s absence, the Hurricanes put up a determined effort. However, the Brumbies’ dominant forward play proved decisive, with each of their starting front-row players scoring at least once. Allan Alaalatoa and James Slipper each crossed for a try, while hooker Billy Pollard capitalized on a strong maul to score twice. Tom Wright also added a try, completing the Brumbies’ scoring.
The Hurricanes had a promising start with an early try by Ruben Love in the fifth minute. Love also assisted Fehi Fineanganofo’s try with an impressive cut-out pass, briefly regaining the lead after Pollard’s opener. But the Brumbies answered with 21 consecutive points, a surge that ultimately dictated the game’s outcome. Despite the Hurricanes’ best efforts to rally, the Brumbies maintained control throughout.
“It’s a tough one to take—really disappointing,” Laidlaw admitted post-match. “Six or seven weeks ago, we were in a difficult spot, but we turned things around and put together a strong stretch.”
“We knew what we were up against coming into a playoff match in Canberra. Full credit to the Brumbies—they executed their strengths around the breakdown and lineout effectively. We gave them too many opportunities, and although I thought we had it in us to stage a comeback, it just wasn’t meant to be.”
