By CHRIS RATTUE
The Chiefs have called in second division flanker Chris Masoe to replace Duncan Blaikie, and he is expected to be on the bench against the Reds on Saturday.
Blaikie will have an operation this week on an eye socket fracture, suffered against the Waratahs, but may be out for only a month.
The 22-year-old Masoe, who has transferred from Wanganui to first division semifinalists Taranaki on a three-year contract, has played just one full NPC season.
He is a New Zealand sevens contracted player, a member of this year's academy intake and has also played for the Divisional XV.
Masoe is rated a destructive tackler and strong runner with the ball, although in typical Taranaki fashion he must prove himself in club football before knowing yet if he has a place in their NPC side this year.
Chiefs coach John Mitchell wants a specialist back-up for his remaining openside, Marty Holah, and consulted with the New Zealand Rugby Football Union before deciding on Masoe.
Other candidates such as North Harbour's Blair Urlich and Counties-Manukau's Hare Makiri are more utility loose forwards, which did not fit Mitchell's requirements.
Meanwhile, Mitchell - who wants to give all squad members their chance - seems set to make changes for this week's match after the disappointing performance in Sydney.
Given the Chiefs scrum wobbles, replacement prop Tama Tuirirangi seems likely to come into the front row while giant lock Mark Cooksley could also be given his chance after Mitchell plucked him from the representative scrap heap.
The Reds have dropped their openside flanker Scott Fava replacing him with David Croft for the second round match in Rotorua.
Former Wallabies first five-eighth Nathan Spooner returns from injury for the injured Shane Drahm, and Ben Wakely replaces halfback Brett Johnstone on the bench.
Reds: Chris Latham, Ben Tune, Daniel Herbert, Steve Kefu, Damian Smith, Elton Flatley, Jacob Rauluni, Toutai Kefu, David Croft, Matt Cockbain, John Eales (capt), Mark Connors, Fletcher Dyson, Michael Foley, Nick Stiles. Res: Ben Wakely, Nathan Spooner, Nathan Williams; John Roe, Nathan Sharpe, Glenn Panoho, Sean Hardman.
New Zealand's Super 12 squads
2001 Super 12 schedule/scoreboard
Specialist search leads to Taranaki flanker
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