Super Rugby
Slipper sits out Reds' semi-final
ESPNscrum Staff
June 21, 2011
Slipper has enjoyed a run in the Wallabies side of late and will hope to be in Tri-Nations contention © Getty Images
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The Reds' prop James Slipper has been ruled out of their Super Rugby semi-final on July 2 but hopes to be fit for the Tri-Nations.

Slipper, 22, hopes to be fit for the final if the Reds overcome their semi-final opponents but rushing back too soon may jeopardise his Tri-Nations chances. Slipper, capped fourteen times by Australia, is happy to put his trust and immediate future in the hands of the Reds' medical staff. "To be out of the semi-final is a huge blow for me - the grand final is now my focus," Slipper told The Sydney Morning Herald.

"I am going to put all my trust in the medical staff that we have ... to see if it is worth the risk. I am leaving the decision (to return) purely to the medical staff. It would be a real hard decision for myself, something I wouldn't wish upon anyone."

However, the prognosis will come as a boost to the prop after Tuesday's arthroscopy revealed a "best case scenario." The Reds have had well-documented injury problems this season but Reds' coach Ewen McKenzie hopes to welcome back star winger Digby Ioane and flanker Beau Robinson for the semi-final clash. "Digby will have had his three weeks off for a head knock by the semi-final and Beau was back around training, falling over and doing stuff last week. His elbow is coming right which is great," McKenzie said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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