The Western Force has suffered a significant setback with the injury sustained by star lock Izack Rodda, resulting in his absence from upcoming matches. The team’s coach, Simon Cron, has expressed his apprehension regarding the unfortunate timing of the injury and has assured that Rodda will be afforded the necessary time to recuperate.
Originally slated to participate in the recent match against the Hurricanes, Rodda was compelled to withdraw from the game just days prior due to the injury sustained during training. This setback compounds Rodda’s previous absence of 18 months due to stress fractures in his foot.
Coach Cron has noted that Rodda’s unavailability has created challenges for both the player and the team. With an anticipated recovery period of three to four weeks, the team is focused on facilitating Rodda’s gradual improvement. His absence from the upcoming matches against Melbourne and the ACT Brumbies, as well as subsequent games, will unquestionably be felt by the team.
In addition, the Force is contending with further difficulties as a number of players are currently on the injured list. Marley Pearce has suffered a broken nose and a four-match suspension, while other key players including Siosifa Amone, Harry Hoopert, Angus Wagner, Felix Kalapu, and Reesjan Pasitoa are also nursing various injuries.
The team’s front row has been particularly impacted, prompting the acquisition of former fringe Crusaders and Chiefs prop, Ryan Coxon, to mitigate the crisis. Coxon has been promptly integrated into the team, stepping in to replace the injured Pearce in the starting lineup. Coach Cron has stressed the necessity of making strategic decisions in such circumstances, underscoring the importance of assessing available options and making informed choices for the team’s composition.
In a positive turn of events, new captain Jeremy Williams, who missed the previous match due to concussion, is poised to make a comeback in the upcoming game against the Rebels. This resurgence offers a ray of hope for the Force as they navigate through this challenging period.
In conclusion, the Western Force has encountered a series of setbacks with pivotal players being sidelined due to injuries. The team, under the leadership of Coach Simon Cron, is diligently working to address these challenges and maintain a competitive edge in the upcoming matches. The addition of Ryan Coxon and the return of captain Jeremy Williams are expected to provide a much-needed boost, as the Force strives to overcome this adversity and emerge stronger amidst their ongoing injury crisis.