ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Ellis Jenkins awaits awful injury verdict after final seconds ruin sensational night

BY davidharper  ·  Wednesday Nov 28, 2018

On Saturday night Wales Flanker Ellis Jenkins had a memorable night, securing Man of the Match honours in a 20-11 victory over South Africa. Tragically, the dream turned into a nightmare as he sustained a serious knee injury in the very last minute of the match.

ADVERTISEMENT

What makes the injury all the more upsetting is that Wales were holding an insurmountable lead. South Africa were looking for one last late score when Handre Pollard and Eben Etzebeth combined to roll Jenkins off of a ruck in a dangerous and awkward way, his scream being heard over the noise of the pitch. Moments later, George North was awarded a penalty that ended the match.

Meanwhile, Jenkins was still on the floor getting attended to by paramedics. He was eventually stretchered from the field. Though news of the Monday scans has not been updated yet, many fear the worst in the form of a torn anterior cruciate ligament, the result of which could keep him off the field for many months to come.

“There’s nothing you can say,” said Jenkins of the moments following the injury.

“Any time anyone came up to me and gave me a hug or tried to say something nice I almost started crying. So I just sort of said ‘I know what you’re going to say’.

“It’s just terrible luck I guess. It’s nice that everyone says congratulations and stuff but it’s tough to think about when you get a serious injury at the end of the game.

“When you feel like you’re playing well, you want to keep going. It would be nice if the game had finished thirty seconds earlier.

ADVERTISEMENT

“My foot has just got stuck. There are two big boys who have tried cleaning me out. I guess I’m a little bit tired at the end of the game as well and maybe not in as strong a position I should have been in. It’s one of those things. It’s part of the game, unfortunately.

“It is tough to look back on it now when it finishes like that but I suppose in time I will look back on it and say it was a good autumn campaign.”

The incident has yet again highlighted a tactic known as “croc-rolling”, where a player is grabbed around the waist and rolled off of the ruck. Rule 16.3, concerning rucking, gives specifics on what is not allowed, ie: staying on one’s feet, not intentionally falling or kneeling in, and not intentionally collapsing a ruck.

Many see this move as a potential career-ender and wish to see it banned completely, not merely penalised. Former Fiji Sevens coach Ben Ryan has been a leading voice on the issue for some time.

It’s always sad to see players struck down with injuries, especially in times of triumph. Hopefully, the scans will come back negative and the worst can be avoided.

“I’ve been trying to keep my knee moving and get the swelling down.

“If I need surgery I need to keep the swelling to a minimum otherwise it just delays the process.”

Injuries aside, one major silver lining for Wales is that this marks their fourth consecutive win over the Springboks. They’re also now on a nine-game winning streak, including all four Autumn Internationals.

While all the Northern Hemisphere chatter seems to be focused on Ireland at the moment, Wales seem to be perfectly content flying under the radar and building on their recent success. It’s widely believed they have the depth to make a serious push at next year’s World Cup in Japan.

Full match highlights:

Related Articles

  • 28 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Gray to exit Exeter Chiefs with immediate...

  • 28 WEEKS AGO

    Former Connacht hooker shares brilliant rugby...

  • 28 WEEKS AGO

    Official calls halt to play amidst double-call...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Harlequins winger heralded as the next big England breakthrough after weekend's performance

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 14 HOURS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Huge guillotine tackle divides fans in viral footage

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Siya Kolisi makes young fans' day as he arrives at Cape Town school

View All

Funnies

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    ‘Pitch is made of concrete’ - Fan provides much needed update following half time incident

View All

Amateur

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit opens up about his biggest shock in chasing NFL dream

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been an honour' - Wales legend retires from international rugby

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been horrible' - Wales captain to miss Autumn Nations

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    'It was an easy decision for me' - Saints star commits to future

View All