Kurt Capewell injured in warm-up, Chanel Harris-Tavita knocked out in chaotic start as Warriors smash Raiders
Updated . First published at
Kurt Capewell faces a long stint on the sidelines after he was ruled out of the Warriors 40-6 win over Canberra during the warm-up.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster was forced into a change minutes before kick off, with Capewell injurying his calf.
Fox League reported the injury to be a tear with Leka Halasima moving into the starting side.
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"You saw his reaction in the warm-up and he looked to the heavens in frustration ... it's a devastating blow for the Warriors," Michael Ennis said on Fox.
Kurt Capewell reacts after his injury. Fox League
The problems for Webster compounded when Chanel Harris-Tavita was knocked out trying to tackle Raiders second-rower Noah Martin.
Harris-Tavita laid motionless before he was helped off the field with Taine Tuaupiki replacing him. The five-eighth was ruled out after his HIA.
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The Raiders had scored first in Auckland through Kaeo Weekes in the fourth minute before the Warriors hit back as Dallin Watene-Zelezniak crossed 10 minutes later.
In the 25th minute, the concerns continued for the Warriors with James Fisher-Harris ordered off the field for an HIA. The prop passed that test.
At half time, scores were even at 6-6 with the Warriors hitting a penalty goal during the half.
Despite the injury problems, Webster's men came out of the sheds with an intention to make a statement.
Halasima crossed first in the second half before Jackson Ford grabbed his own four-pointer. Halasima then had a double in the 67th minute with a spectacular individual effort, pushing past multiple defenders.
After hitting a 40/20, Tanah Boyd continued his spectacular start to the season to score and put the result beyond doubt.
Watene-Zelezniak finished the match by taking a Boyd cross-kick and scoring a second.
Along with the concerns from a convincing loss, the Raiders will also sweat on the judiciary report after Joe Tapine was placed on report.
The Raiders captain raced down to put pressure on Watene-Zelezniak as he tried to catch a bomb and hit him in the head with his shoulder.
Tapine avoided a sin bin with referee Peter Gough explaining Watene-Zelezniak's body was dropping during the tackle.
