MacDonald eyes rapid recovery [Marlborough Express]
Tasman Makos and Crusaders rugby hooker Quentin MacDonald is cursing his luck after injury forced him off the field during Saturday's clash against the Hurricanes in Wellington.
After being starved of game time this season, playing off the bench behind in-form All Blacks rake Cory Flynn, coach Todd Blackadder injected MacDonald into the game early in the second half. However, with his first hit-up he injured the AC joint in his shoulder and, despite trying to soldier on, was forced off the field after just four minutes of action.
Speaking from Christchurch yesterday, MacDonald was upbeat about his chances of playing again soon.
"It's not bad, but it's just a bit uncomfortable. Second degree AC joint damage. Strained ligaments.
"A bit of rest and rehab and she'll be fine. Hopefully in a couple of weeks it will be fine.
"But it's a bit of a pain in the arse. I was looking for a big chunk of that second half and she's all over, but that's rugby I suppose."
MacDonald said the damage occurred when he went to ground after a hit-up and an opposition player fell awkwardly on him.
MacDonald's former team-mate at the Makos and the Central club in Blenheim, Highlanders winger Kade Poki, is also out with an injured ankle, a late withdrawal from their last game against the Blues and now he's missed the Highlanders trip to South Africa.
Marlborough's other direct Crusaders connection, forward Joe Wheeler, is also sidelined at present following back surgery, and he's not expected to be available for a few weeks.
After the Crusaders performance in demolishing the Hurricanes, MacDonald said the team's confidence was rising and they've got another weapon almost ready for action.
"We've found a game plan that suits us and we are just sticking to it and everything is just coming off that.
"We've simplified things quite a bit. People can just do their job without worrying about all the other stuff.
"Everyone's stepped it up a notch at training and on game day.
"Getting a bit of form at the right end of the season."
On their recovering weapon, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, MacDonald said: "He's in pretty good nick. He's biting at the bit to play."
