This is a shocking development. Shaun Johnson is arguably one of the six best players in the world, along with Johnathan Thurston (No 1), Gregory Inglis (No. 2), William Slater, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith. I do hope that the injury is not as bad as feared, and that he can make the tour. However the prospects are not good.

There is no comparable substitute. Benji Marshalll would be the best choice of those options available. However the NZ coach Stephen Kearney is a logheaded fool who apparently doesn't like Benji, for some ridiculous reason. The second option is to play Thomas Leuluai at half, if he is fit (he has been out for the season). However Leuluai had been earmarked for the hooking role. The third option is to bring Tuimoala Lolohea, the up and coming star, into the halves. I do not know what will happen because the blockhead Kearney (who broke Jarod McCracken's neck and thereby ended McCracken's career with a foul tackle many years ago) is making the decisions.

All in all this puts a damper on the upcoming series, which I and most French fans were looking forward to seeing.

Oh please shut up.

Kiwi press reporting that SJ's season is over.....

But saying that his season is over doesn't tell us whether his year is over. It probably is, but it depends on how serious the injury is.

"Benji Marshalll would be the best choice of those options available"
Benji could be playing for Scotland come the Autumn

You English are a strange lot, why in the world would some of you be feeling sorry for Shaun Johnson and the Kiwis ?

I dont recall Aussies or Kiwis giving a toss about you guys losing Sam Burgess for the 4 Nations last year and numerous other games when your best have been unavailable.

The English people of whom you speak -- the rugby league fans -- are a very sporting lot, who want to see their best play against the Kiwis best. Moreover, they enjoy watching the sublime skills possessed by Shaun Johnson. Don't you?

Probably because there is such a lack of quality of player over here that people are desperate to see any player who possess a bit of "x factor", which is why many are disappointed that SJ will be out.

Injury Update: www.warriors.co.nz/news/2015/07/ ... ohnso.html He won't play for New Zealand this year.

Injury Update: www.warriors.co.nz/news/2015/07/ ... ohnso.html He won't play for New Zealand this year.

Quote: Saint #1 "I take it you didn't see Benji on NRL 360 then? When asked, he said he told a few teammates he was eligible for Scotland a few years ago as a joke. It's just taken till now to come out in the press Benjamin Quentin Marshall has no roots in Scotland whatsoever. He is pure New Zealand stock. In fact he is burdened by the fact that he comes from Whakatane, in New Zealand (pron: FUCKATARNI), which is a great source of mirth among Australians. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYBOzTxHai4 see esp at 4.55 .

Quote: Saint #1 "I take it you didn't see Benji on NRL 360 then? When asked, he said he told a few teammates he was eligible for Scotland a few years ago as a joke. It's just taken till now to come out in the press Benjamin Quentin Marshall has no roots in Scotland whatsoever. He is pure New Zealand stock. In fact he is burdened by the fact that he comes from Whakatane, in New Zealand (pron: FUCKATARNI), which is a great source of mirth among Australians. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYBOzTxHai4 see esp at 4.55 .

Benjamin Quentin Marshall (with the help of Beau Ryan) dominates in 2012: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAnXdIGChMI

Benjamin Quentin Marshall (with the help of Beau Ryan) dominates in 2012: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAnXdIGChMI