Polota-Nau ready to face Lions - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Polota-Nau ready to face Lions

Russell Jackson 18/05/2011 08:10:16 PM Comments (0)

A relieved Tatafu Polota-Nau praised the NSW Waratahs' medical staff for their handling of his recent concussions and he is confident of a big return to Super Rugby action on Saturday night.

The Waratahs clash with the bottom of the table Lions at the Sydney Football Stadium in a match the hosts would be disappointed not to come away with a bonus point victory in.

Polota-Nau was sidelined for the Waratahs' last start 20-15 win over the Western Force 11-days ago after he was knocked out in successive games against Queensland and Melbourne.

The powerhouse hooker admits it was a nerve-wracking time waiting for the all-clear to resume playing.

"Obviously you are a bit worried about the outcome of having multiple concussions," Polota-Nau said.

"Our team doctor Sharron (Flahive) sent me to a neurosurgeon from Sydney Uni. We went through the usual tests ... kinetic tests as well as some cognitive tests and they were very pleased with the outcome and so am I.

"They have a mandatory three-week period (concussion rule) which has worked out pretty well considering we had the bye last week.

"It's great that our medical staff have been so thorough and I back their judgment all the way and it gives me plenty of confidence when they say everything is OK and now I can just concentrate on rugby."

Polota-Nau returns in an unusual week for the franchise with NSW rugby officials inviting Waratahs supporters to a public forum on Thursday night.

The Waratahs, who are sixth on the Super Rugby ladder, one-point clear of the Highlanders, have been booed off the field by fans a couple of times this year in Sydney and criticised widely in the media for playing a dour style of rugby.

The forum will provide fans with the opportunity to vent any concerns they have but Polota-Nau said while he liked the idea of giving the public a say, the players remain focused on Saturday night.

"We are just looking at doing our job first and that's winning the game ... no matter how it looks, it's not the point, it's winning the game that counts," he said.

"It's about executing our strategies and if we do that for 80 minutes then we will absolutely annihilate teams."

Waratahs coach Chris Hickey has made some adjustments to the side to face the Lions with third-string openside flanker Chris Alcock getting his chance with Pat McCutcheon sidelined with an ankle injury.

McCutcheon, who had been filling in at No.7 for injured skipper Phil Waugh.

Eastwood club captain and loose forward Hugh Perrett has been called onto the bench in another change to the Waratahs squad that beat the Western Force in their last match 11 days ago.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news