Polota-Nau in doubt for Waratahs

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Scrum.com

March 1, 2010

Tatafu Polota-Nau is a fitness doubt for the Waratahs © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: John Kirwan | Tatafu Polota-Nau

Tournaments/Tours: Super 14

The Waratahs are awaiting the results of a scan on hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau's hamstring injury as they prepare for their first Super 14 home game of the season, against the Sharks on Saturday.

The Wallabies No.2 picked up the injury early on in the Tahs' defeat to the Bulls in Pretoria.

"Tatafu's gone off for a scan now just to see the extent of his injury and we'll know a little bit more by tomorrow morning on that one," coach Chris Hickey said at Sydney airport. "It's a hamstring strain, fairly high up, we're just not too sure to what extent so there's some doubt there, but other than that we've come out of it reasonably good as far as injuries are concerned."

Reds fly-half Tim Walsh has joined their growing injury list after breaking his hand during their loss to the Blues last weekend. Walsh will miss the next four to five weeks of action in another blow to the Reds following a season-ending injury to skipper James Horwill and a fractured cheekbone for wing Rod Davies. Peter Hynes and Richard Kingi are also doubts for the trip to face the Chiefs, with a dislocated finger and hamstring strain respectively.

Japan coach John Kirwan has named a 62-man extended squad for their Rugby World Cup preparations. The former All Black will halve the size of the squad ahead of the Asian Five Nations in May, which will decide World Cup qualification.

"We will look to focus on our physical play this year," Kirwan told Reuters. "We also want to improve our decision-making when we're physically tired during games and make sure we're still able to absorb tackles at those times."

Edinburgh lock Steve Turnbull has signed a new two-year deal with the Magners League side. He is joined in signing by hooker Fraser Brown and back-row Stuart McInally, who have both signed their first professional contracts.

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