It was a sickening clash and looked even worse as it was replayed on the big screen.
A collective ‘Ooooooooo’ rang out around The Sportsground as hometown hero Bundee Aki clashed heads with Ulster centre Louis Ludik. Both men hit the deck but Ludik’s lights snapped out.
Wisely, they decided to read out birthday wishes than play it back any more than that.
Both men received treatment treatment and we all presumed their night’s were done. All around them, Connacht and Ulster players tried to control their ragged breathing and set their stalls out for the final 15 minutes.
Then, like WWE’s Undertaker, Aki sat bolt upright. He was not done yet.
As soon as he satisfied medics his legs could hold him, it was decided to get him off to the sheds for a HIA [Head Injury Assessment]. Aki wasn’t going anywhere yet. He shook free of a concerned huddle and made his way over to Ludik to check if he was okay.
'More Than A Game' Great to see @bundeeaki12 check on @louisludik after their collision #ConvsUls @PRO12rugby @connachtrugby @UlsterRugby pic.twitter.com/RPWDuBNi7o
— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) October 7, 2016
Wisely, the medics insisted on the HIA. Aki wasn’t happy but players rarely are when they have to depart the theatre with battle in the balance.
Ludik did not need a stretcher but his ticket was punched. Les Kiss confirmed, after the match, that the South African is all but certain to miss next weekend’s Champions Cup tie with Bordeaux-Beglés.
Somehow – and I would love to know how exactly – Aki was able to make it back to the treatment room to take a HIA that includes cognitive, memory and balance tests [as well as reviewed footage of the head clash] and all within three minutes. It was incredible.
Pat Lam remarked Aki has a “coconut head”. It is made of stern, stern stuff.
Aki was on the pitch at the death as Connacht saw off the league leaders to win 30-25 and get their season right back on track. Toulouse are up next.
That was not on Aki’s mind at the final whistle. After both teams had applauded each other off the pitch, Aki made a beeline for the Ulster dressing room to get an update on the stricken, shaken Ludik. Ulster captain Jared Payne checked in and provided it for him, to ease his mind.
After Ulster had been read the riot act, and the dust had settled, the pair got another chance to shake hands on a game hard fought and one they’ll feel to their core for the next few days.
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