Rush's broken leg blow to New Zealand hopes
by Huw Turner
January 28, 2001

New Zealand's hopes of winning the World Cup sevens for the first time took a severe dent when veteran skipper Eric Rush broke his leg in the final pool match against England.

Indeed, the injury could well signal the end of the 35 year old's illustrious career. He will return home to Auckland immediately for surgery.

The injury occurred in the early stages of the first half and the incident itself was innocuous-looking as Rush reeled away from an attempted tackle.As medical staff raced to his aid it was obvious that he had suffered a serious injury.

It took some time for the stunned New Zealanders to get back into their stride, England looking the better side in the first half to lead 7-0. But in the second half, inspired by Jonah Lomu's first try of the tournament, they increased the tempo to cruise to a 17-7 victory. But the loss of Rush is a severe one as the competition goes into its final day on Sunday.

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