Highlanders attack coach Richard Whiffin has offered an harm update on star halfback Folau Fakatava, who injured his proper knee earlier than the All Blacks’ end-of-season tour.
Fakatava, who made his worldwide debut in opposition to Ireland final yr, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) late final yr.
The devastating harm had seemingly left Fakatava in a race to be match for this yr’s World Cup, which is ready to get underway in September.
But after struggling one other knee harm through the 2021 Super Rugby season, the 23-year-old selected a non-operative method for his rehabilitation this time round.
And it seems to be working for him.
Attack coach Whiffin stated Fakatava is “tracking well” after returning to the coaching subject.
“He’s tracking well,” Whiffin advised SENZ Breakfast.
“He’s back on the training field (and) is in our 15 on 15 so he’s worked really hard on his rehab.
“He was obviously with the ABs (All Blacks) the last couple of days so he’s tracking well for being available for the season.
“He is a weapon that we want to be able to use.”
Fakatava opened up about his rehabilitation late final yr, and mentioned why he selected to not bear surgical procedure.
“I had surgery on my ACL in 2021 and I wanted to avoid going down that route again if I could,” Fakatava stated.
“I am excited about getting into my rehab and giving myself the chance of giving 2023 a real go. Obviously it’s a pretty big year.”
The Highlanders start their Super Rugby Pacific marketing campaign in a months’ time in opposition to the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
