Super Rugby
Whittaker injury not as bad as first feared
ESPNscrum Staff
April 24, 2011
Ben Whittaker has been in good form for the Force this season © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Ben Whittaker
Tournaments/Tours: Super Rugby
Teams: Australia | Force

Western Force hooker Ben Whittaker will be out of action for 10 days after injuring his shoulder during their Super Rugby victory over the Bulls on Saturday.

The Force feared the hooker had suffered a serious injury as he left the field in the 21st minute clutching his left shoulder, but scans revealed only minor damage to his AC joint and he is expected to return to action in just over a week.

Whittaker recently inked a new two-year deal with the Force, who have turned their season around in recent weeks with a win over the Brumbies in Canberra preceding their 26-21 triumph over the Bulls.

"I think as a side we need to continue to win…we talked earlier about learning how to win and once you're actually winning you need to keep winning," coach Richard Graham said.

"I thought the team was outstanding, you need your best players to play at their best each week and I thought our Wallaby contingent tonight were very good. I think the character of the side has never been questioned.

"While we've had a couple of close losses and the draw, the character of the side hasn't been something that we've really discussed. We're learning as a side and that was evident at times and probably goes some way to the result."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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