Coaches had been braced for the impact of injuries as the Super 15 rugby tournament embarked last week on its longest-ever season, a seven-month slog through an 18-match regular season schedule. But few expected the impact to be felt so heavily after only one weekend
Following an opening round of mainly derby matches, most teams have been left counting casualties and facing early tests of their depth.
The opening match of the second round between the Waikato Chiefs and Auckland Blues - both first-round losers - serves as a case in point. The Chiefs lost four players to long-term injuries in their narrow loss to the Otago Highlanders while the Blues have had to reshape their front row after losing a prop to injury.
Two of the most serious injuries suffered by the Chiefs were to props: Ben Afeaki broke his arm in only the eighth minute of last Saturday's match and is out for three months. His replacement, Toby Smith, strained his calf and will be out for four to six weeks.
Among the Chiefs' backs, ex-All Blacks scrumhalf Brendon Leonard suffered a serious hamstring tear and is out for 12 weeks while center Lelia Masaga, also a former All Black, will be sidelined for at least three weeks with a knee injury.
"We've got at least four guys with long-term injuries, which is disappointing for everyone," coach Dave Rennie said.
Rennie has been forced to make six changes to his lineup for Friday's match against the Blues.
"The injuries have meant there has been some movement in the team, but it also provides a great opportunity for the young guys to make their debut."
Rennie has picked 138-kilogram (303-pound) tighthead prop Ben Tameifuna to play his first Super 15 match in place of Afeaki.
"He's a big man - 138 kilos, he's a real block from a scrum point of view and he's worked really hard in that area since he's been in the mix here, and so we're pretty confident he can do the job there," Rennie said.
Blues coach Pat Lam has named Tevita Mailau at tighthead prop in place of Charlie Faumuina, who injured his knee in Auckland's first-round loss to the Canterbury Crusaders.
"Charlie is our No. 1 tighthead at this stage and, on the back of Tony Woodcock not being available, it's a big hit for us," Lam said.
"Tevita's been with us for a while and he's an experienced campaigner. He sits in the wings waiting for his chance and he works hard, and so he'll get his opportunity and I'm confident he'll do a good job."
The New South Wales Waratahs have made only one change to the team that lost to the Queensland Reds for their match against the Melbourne Rebels. Brendon Foley joins the starting XV at fullback, pushing Adam Ashley-Cooper to the right wing in place of Brackin Kauarria-Henry.
But the Waratahs remain heavily affected by injuries, with Wallabies' Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Rocky Elsom and Lachlan Turner all unavailable.
"It's frustrating really," Barnes said. "I didn't think it was going to be an issue this week, but after running... and being put through a bit of a fitness test it just hasn't pulled up as well as myself and the medical staff, more importantly, wanted."
The Reds have lost hookers Saia Faingaa and James Hanson to injuries and may be forced to start rookie prop Albert Anae at hooker in Saturday's match against the Western Force.
"It's not ideal," coach Ewen McKenzie said. "Saia's been back training but it's not clear yet where he's up to.
"Albert Anae has had a great pre-season too so we'll see where we end up but we've got options."
In South Africa, the Bulls, who were first-round winners over the Sharks, have made one change to their starting lineup for the match against the Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs. Wynand Olivier takes over at center from Johann Sadie, who is sidelined for three weeks with a shoulder injury.
"One always wants to have all your first-choice players available, especially against an opponent as tough as the Cheetahs," coach Frans Ludeke said. "Wynand is the second-most experienced player in the side, so we are delighted to have him back.
"We have lost some fine players to injury in the last couple of weeks, so it is great to have one of our international players back and ready for action."
Prolific flyhalf Peter Grant will start off the bench for the Cape Town-based Stormers, whose 13-point win over the Wellington Hurricanes last weekend was the largest of the first round. Juan de Jongh also returns at center, allowing Springboks star Bryan Habana to move from center to the wing.
The Johannesburg-based Lions have made three changes, two forced by injuries, for their match against the Wellington Hurricanes.
Michael Killian replaces winger James Kamana who received a head injury in the Lions' opening win over the Cheetahs. Stephan Greeff will make his debut for the Lions in place of lock Wikus van Heerden, who has been ruled out or three weeks with concussion.
All Blacks winger Zac Guildford returns to the Crusaders' lineup on the bench for Saturday's match against the Otago Highlanders after serving a suspension for alcohol-related misbehavior.
The Highlanders are unaffected by the financial problems of the Otago Rugby Union, which will apply to the High Court on Friday to be placed in liquidation.
