Rugby: Shoulder surgery counts Stanley out

Winston Stanley. Photo / Getty Images

Young Auckland midfielder Winston Stanley will not play rugby again until next year's provincial championship as he recovers from double shoulder surgery.

The 20-year-old had one operation early this week to repair ligament damage and is scheduled to have the other shoulder sorted in a few months.

"He went away on the under-20 campaign with sore shoulders," said coach Mark Anscombe.

"He could play as he did last week but it has got to a stage where he needs to get it done to ready himself for next year's national championship."

Stanley's absence means his elder brother and Auckland captain Benson will shift out to cover centre for tomorrow's Eden Park clash with Southland, with Jamie Helleur picked at second five-eighths.

All Black forwards John Afoa and Jerome Kaino are back to bolster the pack, offer their ability, attitude and professionalism and to answer the strong examination from Southland, who are second in the competition.

"The scrum was going really well a month ago so to have John will hopefully get that platform back and Jerome adds that bit of steel and continuity in the loose," said Anscombe.

Kaino's return would also help No 8 Chris Lowrey who, after a wretched run of injury which started late in the Super 14 series, had shown signs of his quality in the second half against Tasman.

Versatile loose forward Peter Saili was unlucky to drop to the bench. He would be used during the game but had played every minute of every game so far and taken a few knocks.

The contentious openside flanker role has been claimed by Onosai Auva'a who returns after a month playing for the development team.

Auva'a takes over from Saili who was tried in that role against Tasman and Hamish Paterson who has also been tried. Anscombe has bracketed halfbacks Taniela Moa and Grayson Hart, with one to start the game, while the promising Auvasa Faleali'i will be in the reserves.

"Nella, when he is on, brings a different attacking dimension to our team and Grayson was there for his defensive qualities.

"To be fair when they are on their game they go well but I think they have both been inconsistent so that's where we are at," Anscombe said.

"We want to talk to them both and discuss with them what we are trying to do."