A faulty blender has cost young Mystics' defender Temalisi Fakahokotau an opportunity to trial for a place in the Silver Ferns' World Cup team this week.
The 20-year-old, who debuted for the Silver Ferns last season, suffered a deep cut to her hand after the glass jug of her blendersmashed while in operation. Silver Ferns team doctor Mark Fulcher said Fakahokotau escaped any nerve or tendon damage, but still needed surgery to clean out the wound, which stretches across her palm.
"She ended up with quite a big cut across her palm, which was sufficiently big enough that it needed to be cleaned out in theatre and closed up," said Dr Fulcher.
"It was a pretty impressive effort, but fortunately she managed to miss all the major structures."
Fakahokotau is expected to be sidelined for three weeks with the injury, which means she is still available for the August tournament in Sydney, but her unavailability for trials could prove costly. The young defender has had limited court time with the Mystics this year, having shared the goal keep spot with Sulu Tone-Fitzpatrick. Silver Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu has also stated leading into trials that she wants to test players against one another under the same conditions over the three days - something she regretted not doing in the lead-up to last year's Commonwealth Games.
Dr Fulcher confirmed there are no further injuries in the New Zealand camp. The Silver Ferns 12-strong team for the World Cup team will be named on Thursday.
