Injury to Glover a big blow

Glover dislocated his left sterno-clavicular joint – the point at which the collarbone joins the breastbone – against Otago in Invercargill on Saturday.

It happened late in the second half of the Stags' upset 31-28 non-championship win and saw Glover quickly taken to hospital.

X-rays could not reveal how badly the joint had been dislocated, so a Cat (computerised axial tomography) scan was arranged to give a clearer diagnosis.

Glover will definitely miss this Saturday's opening division one national provincial championship game against Waikato in Hamilton but it could be much worse.

"All going well, if the diagnosis of the injury is not serious he could be out for just two to three weeks," Young said.

"But if it's serious, it could be the season.

"He's in a lot of pain at the moment and he's still in hospital.

He had a pretty uncomfortable night on Saturday."

Glover, who transferred south after playing for Canterbury last season, suffered the injury after making a slashing 50m run.

His injury could not have come at a worse time for the Stags, who have already lost first-choice centre Gavin Williams for the season with a finger injury.

The Stags will also be without imported first five-eighth and goalkicker Andy Miller for up to three weeks with a groin strain.

"It really has rocked the team," a deflated Young said.

"Ryan adds a lot of value and, of course, he is a very good player."

Veteran outside back Pailate Fili would normally be seen as Glover's logical replacement but he is also coming back from injury.

Fili has not played since injuring his hamstring at training two weeks ago.

Young said Fili was "closer" to returning to full fitness but a decision on his availability would probably not be made until later in the week.

New signing from Otago Mike Maguire would probably make his Stags' NPC debut on the wing on Saturday if Fili was not right.

The only comforting thought for Young and his Stags is that the John Mitchell-coached Waikato also has serious injury worries.

Super 12 backs Roger Randle and Derek Maisey have been ruled out for the season.

Others in doubt for Saturday's Air New Zealand NPC opener include Pacific Islanders wing Sitiveni Sivivatu and midfielders Keith Lowen and Mark Ranby.

Waikato still produced an ominous display in a 53-22 non-championship win over Northland in Whangarei on Saturday.