Rugby: Air NZ Cup injury wrap-up

There are a few in the injury ward after round one of rugby's Air New Zealand Cup.

Canterbury's Michael Patterson has picked up a shoulder injury and looks unlikely to feature in round two while it is not good news for Counties Manukau prop Sekope Kepu who faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a suspected broken collar bone.

Manawatu loose forward Daniel Alofa is out of hospital and back on his feet after being stretchered off with a neck injury in Thursday's clash with Waikato. He will have an MRI scan today and is not expected back anytime soon.

Taranaki wing Paul Perez has a quad strain and will be assessed during the week as will Northland first five David Howell who left the field with a shoulder injury but is back training.

North Harbour coach Wayne Pivac is hopeful props Michael Reid and Sam Biddles will recover from their respective foot injuries in time for Saturday's Ranfurly Shield defence against Taranaki.

For Hawke's Bay, first five Matt Berquist has a contusion around his neck and number eight Grant Webb will have x-rays on a suspected broken eye-socket.

Otago will assess Craig Newby and Glen Horton's respective shoulder injuries this week with coach Steve Martin rating them a fifty-fifty chance of playing on Friday.

- NEWSTALK ZB