Scarlets wing Macs Page was forced off in concerning scenes during the United Rugby Championship clash with the Stormers in Cape Town, after appearing to lose consciousness while attempting to score at DHL Stadium.
The uncapped 21-year-old, who had already crossed for one try in South Africa, was looking to evade Springbok fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu's tackle when his head hit the turf as he was dragged down close to the line. Page spilled the ball forward as he seemed to lose consciousness.
Medical Response and Recovery
Medics quickly attended to the player, while Feinberg-Mngomezulu stayed crouched next to Page during treatment. After a stoppage that saw a stretcher brought on and several medics surround the player, Page eventually walked off the field while receiving oxygen, with medics holding his head straight given the impact it took on the pitch.
Page had scored earlier in the match, dotting down for his fifth try of the season.
Wales Selection Context
Despite his strong start to the campaign, Page, who was part of Wales' squad on the summer tour of Japan last year, was not included in Steve Tandy's 39-man squad for the autumn internationals.
This week, Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies said it was only a matter of time before Page was brought in by Wales.
“Obviously he’s been excellent in the first block of the season. It’s great that we’ve got seven boys in there and a lot of people are saying we should have eight with Macs,” Davies said.
Davies on Page's Prospects
“I think Macs has been brilliant, what he needs to do is maintain his form really. I think from a Welsh perspective, Steve Tandy has probably got a situation where he hasn’t had before where he’s got some really tough calls in most positions now.
“We’re creating a lot of depth, which we haven’t had, so he’s got some tough calls to make.”
Davies said Page “no doubt would have been one of those tough calls”.
“What Macs has got to do is just keep on going,” he added. “His form is great; he’s got to be able to maintain that now. I’m sure if he does, he’s going to come into contention again.”
“I suppose with Macs, it’s a matter of when, not if, he plays for Wales, given the way he’s developing. Definitely if he carries on the way he is. I think he’s just getting better.”
