ACT Brumbies skipper Sam Carter must complete a contact session on Thursday to be any chance of playing this weekend, revealing his concussion made him hypersensitive to crowds and loud noises.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Carter is hopeful of being cleared to make his comeback in the match against the NSW Waratahs on Saturday night, almost three weeks after being rattled by a hit from Lopeti Timani.
But the Brumbies are wary of rushing the workhorse lock back on to the field and are considering giving him an extra week to recover from the lingering symptoms.
Carter is yet to complete a full training session since the high shot on March 9, which has limited the 28-year-old's ability to train with the rest of the squad.
The tireless Brumbies leader has missed just a handful of games since making his Super Rugby debut at the end of 2011, but says he will be follow medical advice before playing again.
Carter has experienced concussions in the past, but this was the first time he became sensitive in crowded places.
"Every concussion and every situation is different. This one is lingering and is taking a little bit longer to recover from than I would have liked," Carter said.
"For me, I had a hypersensitivity to everything. It would be overwhelming if I was in crowded spots and loud things seemed louder than what they were. That's what it was this time.
"Normally it is a bit different. I think it was just stimulation overload. The recovery process just takes time, especially with your head. You've got to be cautious and if it's not right, back off and start again
"I haven't done any contact yet, so I guess it's 50-50 at the moment and we'll see how it all goes on Thursday. I've done most of the things needed, I just need to tick off some more boxes.
"But if I'm not right to go, I don't want to let the team down that way by not being able to perform at my best. That would be silly."
The Brumbies are blessed with second-row depth, which includes spring tour Wallaby Blake Enever and 208 centimetre twins Rory and Richie Arnold.
It's likely the trio will be named in the Brumbies side on Thursday, but Carter is still an outside chance of proving he is fit to make a return.
The second-row battle will be intriguing, with the Waratahs turning to Queensland outcast Rob Simmons and former Brumby Tom Staniforth to add grunt to their forward pack.
Staniforth, a Canberra junior, left the Brumbies last year to chase more game time in Sydney and has found his feet in a sky blue jersey.
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar is expected to stick with combinations for a rivalry battle against the Waratahs at Canberra Stadium.
It looms as a massive moment in the Brumbies' season given both teams have won two of their four games and home ground advantage will be crucial in the Australian conference race.
Carter's absence again would be a blow for the Brumbies, but they will be boosted by the return of David Pocock and hooker Robbie Abel.
Pocock is poised to reclaim the No. 7 jersey to play his 100th Super Rugby match, while Abel will add valuable rake experience after Josh Mann-Rea suffered a season-ending hamstring injury.
The dual playmaker combination of Wharenui Hawera and Christian Lealiifano worked for the Brumbies two weeks ago and is likely to get another chance to shine.
Carter said the Brumbies were still searching for rhythm and momentum to spark their season.
"We'll wind up the emotion towards the end of the week, but at the moment it's about process," Carter said.
"The Waratahs played well two weeks ago, they're going to be up for this match and it's obviously important with the Australian conference."
SUPER RUGBY ROUND SEVEN
Saturday: ACT Brumbies v NSW Waratahs at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.
