Gloucester Rugby back row Jake Polledri is set to spend a lengthy spell on the sidelines after being stretchered off in Italy’s 28-17 defeat to Scotland in the Autumn Nations Cup.
The Italy number seven was removed from the field in a great deal of discomfort in the 67th minute. Polledri appeared to hyper extend his knee whilst attempting to tackle Scotland replacement hooker George Turner off the back of a maul.
It is not yet clear the severity of the injury but time out for a hyperextended knee injury can range from two to four weeks to six months.
Polledri has 19 international caps for Italy and showed his immense ball carrying a fortnight ago against England in the final round of this years Six Nations. He once again posed a threat in attack against Scotland as Italy remained in the game throughout after an encouraging first half display.
This game had it all! 😍
Missed @ScotlandTeam v @Federugby yesterday? Don't worry, we got your back!
Enjoy the extended highlights right here 👇#ITAvSCO #AutumnNationsCup pic.twitter.com/eFyJRMX7qq
— Autumn Nations Cup 🏉 (@autumnnations) November 15, 2020
This will leave Gloucester Rugby coach George Skivington will be hoping Polledri will be fit as soon as possible after the international window. However, former England number eight Ben Morgan is set to return from injury with the Gallagher Premiership 2020/21 season kicking off on friday.
Three other Cherry and Whites players were in action in the first round of the inaugural Autumn Nations cup this weekend, Here’s how they got on:
Stephen Varney – Italy
The Gloucester youngster made his international debut alongside his club team mate Polledri as he came on as a replacement in the 55th minute.
Varney added tempo to the Italian attack as he tried to create quick ball to put the Scottish defence under pressure with the scores level.
He also added stability with his box kicking looking to keep Italy out of trouble in there own half and give themselves territory to form their attack off.
The 19-year-old has been one of the main beneficiaries from the congested Premiership fixtures since the restart and earnt his cap amongst an exciting young Italian side. Varney had previously appeared for Italy under 20’s during the spring leg of the Six Nations.
Chris Harris – Scotland
Harris is another of Gloucester’s key players since the Premiership resumption. His pace and power has made him a main attacking threat in the Cherry and whites ranks, scoring four tries in his 18 appearances at Kingsholm.
Harris made eight carries, making 61 metres, to put Scotland on the front foot in attack which allowed Ali Price to attack from the base of the ruck and keep the Italian team on their toes.
The Scot was unlucky not to have created a great try after breaking the tackle of the Italian scrum half Marcello Violi to give an offload to Sam Johnson whose pass to Duncan Weir was deemed forward by the TMO.
Jonny May – England
The Gloucester flyer was starved of ball as the forwards dominated up front in England’s 40-0 victory over Georgia on Saturday.
May made 69 metres in 9 carries but recived the ball in no real space to show his blistering pace that may have been put to better use at Cheltenham Racecourse’s November meet over the weekend.
Gloucester will want May to get back to his best for his return to the Premiership to encourage healthy competition amongst their talented widemen.
Gloucester will be without their internationals until round four of the Premiership as they begin their 2020/21 campaign against Leicester Tigers on Saturday.
