Sunday, March 25, 2012

Cheetahs props 'did not fake it' against Crusaders

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/6635822/Cheetahs-props-did-not-fake-it-against-Crusaders  RICHARD KNOWLER  26/03/2012



Naka Drotske has a sharp message for any conspiracy theorists who suspect his props faked injuries on Saturday night.
With the rampant Crusaders forwards dismembering their scrum in the first half at AMI Stadium, the Cheetahs undoubtedly profited when their props Trevor Nyakane and Lourens Adriaanse left the field with injuries.
Their exit left referee Keith Brown with no option but to declare scrums could no longer be contested – a call that annoyed the Crusaders who were revelling in their dominance.
Some Crusaders fans questioned whether Drotske's men had been involved in clever subterfuge, but the Cheetahs coach was adamant there was no ulterior motive involved in their removal.
"There was no conspiracy behind it. The players got injured – it is as easy as that. It is nothing to do with conspiracies," said Drotske, who added both players were examined by the match doctor.
The "golden oldies" scrum rule upset their side's rhythm, Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder and captain Kieran Read later lamented.
Drotske defended his props' honour by noting the hamstring injury suffered by Adriaanse is likely to rule him out of their next match against the Hurricanes.
Nyakane is also in doubt with a strained calf.


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