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Aussie Stcherbina undergoes neck surgery
December 8, 2008 - 11:51AM
Newport Gwent Dragons' Australian centre Marc Stcherbina has undergone surgery in France after injuring his neck in a Heineken Cup rugby clash with Toulouse.
Stcherbina spent his 32nd birthday in Toulouse's Purpan Hospital on Sunday after he was hurt during a head-on tackle on Saturday.
Dragons chief executive Gethin Jenkins said the former NSW Waratah has had an operation to stabilise his neck following damage to a disc and a crack in a bone.
"Marc has movement in his arms and legs and will now undergo further tests before a decision is taken to return Marc to Wales," Jenkins said.
Jenkins added that no further statements would be issued until the results of on-going tests were known.
"Marc is in good spirits, and we hope to have him back in Wales as soon as possible," Jenkins said.
"Newport Gwent Dragons management have stayed in Toulouse along with Marc's partner, who has joined him.
"We thank the hospital and Stade Toulouse for their support."
Stcherbina was injured early in the second half of the game, which was halted for 10 minutes as he was stretchered from the pitch wearing a neck brace and oxygen mask.
The Sydney-born player joined the Dragons from Welsh rivals Cardiff Blues this year after stints with Biarritz and English side Northampton.
Former Western Force five-eighth Brock James inspired Clermont to victory over reigning Heineken Cup champions Munster in a fine individual display on Sunday.
James scored all of his side's points as the French club's came from behind to record a 25-19 victory over the Irish province.
Munster, for whom Ronan O'Gara scored 14 points edging him to within seven points of becoming the first player to score 1000 in the competition, had looked in control but they paid heavily for starting the second-half in a sleepy fashion.
James was quite magnificent with six penalties, a try and conversion to give his French side a much-needed boost after what has been an average start to the season.
"We wanted to do well as we have been inconsistent this season, both in Europe and in the championship," said James.
"I guess I got lucky today (Sunday)," added James, who will hope to do the same when Clermont visit Munster next weekend.
© 2008 AAP
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Was the wait worth it - Ya betta baby 
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