Injuries aplenty after opening round

CLOSE SCORELINES weren’t the only talking point of the opening round of Super Rugby.

Eleven players also suffered injuries, with Stormers captain Schalk Burger among those who were seriously hurt at the weekend.

Four of those who were crocked last weekend were front-line Chiefs, including wing Lelia Masaga and halfback Brendon Leonard.

Leonard is out for 8-10 weeks with a hamstring injury and Masaga for at least three weeks.

The Hamilton-based franchise will also be without props Ben Afeaki (broken arm) and Toby Smith (calf) for 12 and four weeks respectively.

They join No 8 Alex Bradley (ankle) in the casualty ward ahead of their match against the Blues this Friday.

The Stormers are likely to be without Burger for at least six weeks after he injured his knee against the Hurricanes, while Highlanders pivot Chris Noakes hobbled off against the Chiefs with an ankle complaint and is a doubtful starter for the game against the Crusaders this Saturday.

Reds hookerJames Hanson is in doubt for his side's match against the Force after suffering an ankle injury against the Waratahs.

Bulls centre Johan Sadie (shoulder) will miss at least three weeks of action, and hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle may also see time on the sidelines after being helped off the field late in the piece against the Sharks.

The Pretoria-based side’s opponents this weekend, the Cheetahs, may have concerns of their own after talented young No 10 Johan Goosen went off against the Lions after taking a heavy knock in a tackle.

Impressive Brumbies fullback Robbie Coleman left the field hurt with a knee injury against the Force.

Fortunately the Jake White-coached side has a bye this week.