TESTS PRESCRIBED AFTER ELLIS SUFFERS HEAD KNOCK

13th August 2007

Auckland, Aug 12 NZPA - Recalled All Blacks halfback Andy Ellis will undergo medical tests in Christchurch tomorrow after sustaining a heavy head knock during the last play of Canterbury's 27-7 Air NZ Cup rugby victory in Dunedin last night.

Ellis, a surprise inclusion in the New Zealand World Cup squad last month for axed Wellingtonian Piri Weepu, left Carisbrook dazed  after being levelled by a high tackle by Otago centre Brett Mather.

Canterbury coach Rob Penney said Ellis, who was making his last appearance in the provincial competition before going into the All Blacks camp, would have impact tests to clarify the seriousness of the hit.

After chipping the ball ahead Ellis, who started off the bench, was tackled by the former Canterbury representative and scorer of Otago's solitary try three minutes earlier.

"It was a bit of a swinging arm, I don't think it was malicious," Penney said of the tackle that may yet attract scrutiny from the New Zealand Rugby Union judicial process.

Ellis was tended to by Canterbury medical staff for about three minutes before walking off the ground under his own steam.

The 30-man World Cup squad is confirmed on Tuesday with the main interest revolving around the fitness of Canterbury prop Greg Somerville.

The 55-test veteran's return from an ruptured Achilles tendon sustained against South Africa a year ago was marred by an eye injury suffered during Canterbury's opening round victory over Bay of Plenty on July 28.

Somerville, who had hoped to play four games for Canterbury to prove his fitness, is making a steady recovery but will not play again until the side reaches France, should he be confirmed.

Wellington prop John Schwalger will be the fourth prop if Somerville is ruled out.

By NZPA Staff

Source: NZPA Auckland Credit: NZPA