“He’s just unlucky.”
Ryan Crotty is giving ‘unlucky’ a bad name.
Fresh from helping Crusaders to retain their Super Rugby title, the centre lined out in midfield for the All Blacks in the Bledisloe Cup clash with Australia but lasted only 12 minutes.
Five times in the last 18 months, Crotty has suffered concussive blows. On Saturday, Crotty shipped his sixth and it was a tough watch. In the act of trying to pen the Aussies into their own 22, he collided with teammate Jack Goodhue and was left sparked:
Credit: Rugby PassWallabies No.8 David Pocock (as seen above) was diving into the breakdown to ensure clean ball when the collision happened. As play spilled on, over to the left wing, Pocock put the game to one side and immediately attended to the stricken All Black.
It was his calls to referee Jaco Peyper, and those of ABs scrum-half Aaron Smith, that saw play halted so medical attention could get on the pitch.
In such a white-hot atmosphere, it was heartening to see Pocock put the safety and well-being of his opponent to the fore. He stayed with Crotty, too, until Kiwi medics reached the scene.
Following New Zealand’s comprehensive victory, flanker Sam Cane told New Zealand Herald:
“It speaks pretty highly of David’s character and the type of guy he is if he’s willing to put the battle to one side in that moment and put the player’s welfare first.”
All Blacks boss Steve Hansen told the same outlet that all had been done, in the lead-up to the match, to ensure Crotty was safe to play.
“It concerns us, definitely. He’s already seen a specialist and they’ve given him the all-clear. From our understanding, as long as you fully recover and don’t go back when you’re not fully recovered, then you’re okay.
“He’s just unlucky. Last night was real freaky, friendly fire from Jack Goodhue straight in the face and it would have knocked most of us out.”
Crotty’s sister, Shea, was watching the game live and expressed her concern as the player was helped off the field of play.
Couldn’t agree more my girl. Know how frustrated he will be but for selfish reasons I want to see my brother grow old and able, not battling the brain forever. https://t.co/2fYfGcClau
— Shea Crotty (@Shea_Crotty) August 18, 2018
Well that wasn’t how it was supposed to go…
Retirement is NOT what I wish for Ry. Yes his health is most important but he is surrounded by the best medical professionals who know more than the incident we see on tv.— Shea Crotty (@Shea_Crotty) August 18, 2018
After a spate of concussions in the past 18 months, we expect Crotty to be sat out of action for the next while.
