Mitchell faces a possible year out

Reuters/Melbourne
Injury-prone Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell faces a possible year out of rugby after rupturing an ankle tendon in Australia’s 22-0 Bledisloe Cup mauling by New Zealand at the weekend.
Mitchell was making his first Test start in 11 months in Auckland but is now sweating on his future after re-injuring the same tendon which sidelined him for much of 2011.
“I’m not too sure if I’ll be lacing them up in the next 12 months or so,” the Waratahs player told Australian media.
“The healing that needs to be done is pretty significant.”
Mitchell recovered in time to make last year’s World Cup, only for his participation in the tournament was cut short by a hamstring problem.
The 28-year-old played denied that he had come back to Wallabies side too quickly after playing just eight matches in the run-up to Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash.
“When you damage a tendon like that or a muscle, the integrity of it is never back to where it was prior to the initial injury,” Mitchell added.
“That’s probably been the case now. People may argue or question whether I came back too early, but all the strength was there.
“All the tests and scans, everything indicated it was fine and I was back to feeling fine out there.
“Unfortunately the knock I got was enough to damage it further than it was before and rupture it entirely the way through.”
The Wallabies, struggling with injuries to several key players, take on tournament new boys Argentina in their next game in Perth on Sept. 8.


All Black Mathewson joins Force

Super 15 strugglers Western Force yesterday signed New Zealand scrumhalf Alby Mathewson as its marquee player for the 2013 season as they work to rebuild the team.
Mathewson spent the past three seasons at the Auckland Blues, making his international debut in the All Blacks’ 20-10 win over Australia in Christchurch in 2010. He has so far won four caps. “This is an excellent opportunity for me and one I’m really looking forward to,” said the 26-year-old.
“The Force are entering a really exciting period with a new coach coming in, and it’s a great chance to be part of building something special and for this playing group to leave a significant legacy at the club.”
Earlier this month, Michael Foley was appointed Force’s head coach, just days after he quit the New South Wales Waratahs.
The Perth-based Force managed just three wins this year, and were dealt a huge blow this month when captain David Pocock defected to the ACT Brumbies.
“As we prepare to relaunch the side, we’ve focused on recruiting some of the best up-and-coming talent,” said Foley.
“Having Alby join us in a key position like scrumhalf will not only add to our performance next season, but also ensure we’re able to develop our young talent to its fullest potential.”