Henderson ruled out as squad named for Rebels

Nic Henderson (SMP Images)

Navy Canberra Vikings prop Nic Henderson will miss the remainder of the Mazda Australian Rugby Championship (ARC) after undergoing shoulder surgery in preparation for the 2008 Investec Super 14 season.

Henderson, who played every match for the CA Brumbies in 2007 as well as representing Australia A in the Pacific Nations Cup, will have the AC joint in his right shoulder operated on today.

Henderson says the routine operation will have him ready for the CA Brumbies’ first match against the Crusaders in Christchurch on February 15.

“It’s definitely disappointing that I won’t have a chance to see out the ARC but this something that needs to be done with my long-term playing future in mind,” he said. “I could’ve played on but it got to the stage that every week we delayed it was another week that my rehab would be pushed back. It’s all come about very quickly and the operation was only finalised last night but at least it’ll give me every chance to be ready for the start for next year’s Super 14 pre-season.”

Henderson’s absence is one of seven changes to the Navy Canberra Vikings have made to their starting line-up for their must win Round Eight Mazda ARC match against the Melbourne Rebels at Olympic Park on Sunday. Kick off is at 4.00pm.

The Navy Canberra Vikings can secure a semi-final berth with a victory over the fifth-placed Rebels, while a bonus-point win could potentially see the side claim second spot and a home final.

Henderson will be replaced in the starting line-up by Warringah prop Dan Raymond, who earns his first start in the Mazda ARC.

Raymond, a member of the 2007 Brumbies Academy, says he’s keen to make his run-on debut.

“Hendo’s left some big boots to fill but I’m definitely up for the challenge,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot with the Brumbies and the Vikings over the last year or so and this is a great chance to put it all into practice with some extended game time.

“I’ve played against a lot of these guys in [Sydney] club rugby and I’m looking forward to the opportunity of playing them again in what is a very important match for us.”

Raymond will pack down in a new-look front row featuring hooker Saia Faingaa, who returns from a five-week lay-off due to a hamstring injury, and tighthead prop Jack Kennedy.

Meanwhile, rampaging red-head Peter Kimlin shifts from blindside flanker to the Navy Canberra Vikings’ second row with Jack Vanderglas returning to the run-on side.

Fullback Tim Wright has been named in the starting side but will be given until Friday to prove his fitness after sustaining an ankle injury against the Rams. Winger Francis Fainifo will miss the match after tearing his left hamstring on Saturday night; his place in the side will be taken by Tim Cornforth.

Navy Canberra Vikings head coach Nick Scrivener says the equation for his side is simple.

“The bottom line is we must get a result against a team that beat us earlier in the season,” he said. “We’re fortunate in that we’re still very much in control of our season but we need to step up our enthusiasm and urgency after we were a bit gun-shy against a very good Rams side last weekend.

“We’ve seen what the Rebels can do in the first round. They’re a very enthusiastic and opportunist side that thrive in an unstructured setting. They’ve got quality players across the park like Crofty [David Croft], Burgo [Luke Burgess], Pete Playford and Digby Ioane, who, if we’re not on our game, will make life very difficult for us.”

The Navy Canberra Vikings leave for Melbourne on Saturday morning.

Navy Canberra Vikings v Melbourne Rebels
Mazda ARC Round 8, Olympic Park
Sunday, 30 September 2007. Kick-off: 4.00pm

Navy Canberra Vikings
1. Dan Raymond
2. Saia Faingaa
3. Jack Kennedy
4. Alister Campbell ©
5. Peter Kimlin
6. Jack Vanderglas
7. Julian Salvi
8. Jone Tawake
9. Patrick Phibbs
10. Christian Lealiifano
11. Tim Cornforth
12. Anthony Faingaa
13. Matt Carraro
14. Eddie McLaughlin
15. Tim Wright

Reserves:
16. Huia Edmonds
17. John Ulugia
18. Adam Wallace-Harrison
19. Dan Guinness
20. Nick Haydon
21. Rowan Kellam
22. Ben Johnston
23. Solomona Fainifo

* one to be omitted