Super Rugby
Waratahs remain cautious on Barnes
ESPNscrum Staff
April 11, 2011
Waratahs fly-half Berrick Barnes leaves the field dejected after defeat, Waratahs v Cheetahs, Super Rugby, Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney, Australia, March 19, 2011
Berrick Barnes will again sit out the Waratahs' weekend clash © Getty Images
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Berrick Barnes will again watch from the sidelines this weekend as the Waratahs continue their cautious approach towards his rehabilitation.

The Wallabies playmaker took a blow to the head in the Tahs' win over the Reds in round two and was floored by an accidental elbow from Ita Vaea in his comeback game against the Brumbies in round six.

Since then he has taken a backseat, admitting last week that he 'doesn't feel right' following the knocks. Kurtley Beale has deputised ably and will continue to do so for this weekend's Super Rugby meeting with the Blues in Auckland.

"Obviously his welfare is our prime concern so he won't be selected this week, instead he'll train and then we'll reassess him after he gets through his training this week," Tahs coach Chris Hickey told AAP.

"He had an MRI and that was all clear, but it depends on how he feels after he trains and if he's still not feeling right, then that's really the symptom that indicates he's not ready to return."

Hickey also confirmed that No.8 Wycliff Palu is unavailable for their Eden Park outing after suffering a hamstring strain.

"It's a fairly mild strain, which is good news, so it's not significant I suppose, but it looks as though it's probably about enough to keep him out of this week however," he said.

"We've still got a long way to go in this competition. As much as we'd really like to have him on board, I think given that, we've probably got to err on the side of caution and get it right this week."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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