The Chiefs hope their veteran wing Roger Randle will be fit for Super 12 action by early March.
But doubt must still remain over the future for Randle, who had complications following a severe Achilles tendon injury at the end of the 2003 Super 12.
Randle, 29, who has scored 32 tries
in 64 games for the Chiefs, suffered an infection after an operation on the injury. So severe were the problems that there were doubts whether he would play again.
The Chiefs play the Waratahs in Newcastle tonight and Randle is with his team-mates in Australia, although he will not take part in the game.
Chiefs coach Ian Foster said: "With the complications it's been hard to get an accurate fix on his situation. He's 80 per cent right now but in these situations it's hard to know about the final 20 per cent ... if and when."
New Chiefs halfback Byron Kelleher will also miss tonight's game because of a finger injury and Foster is hopeful he will be ready to play in the final pre-season match against the Brumbies in Mt Maunganui on February 12. The Chiefs' opening Super 12 match is against the Hurricanes in Hamilton on February 21.
Lock Keith Robinson is also out of tonight's game with a hamstring injury.
Regan King and Todd Miller also did not travel because of injuries.
Veteran Wallaby Mat Burke will try out at first five-eighths and is a candidate to play there for the Waratahs this season. Normally a fullback or centre, he will play the first two quarters in the pivot role.Chris Rattue
Waratahs: Mat Rogers, Scott Staniforth, Cameron Shepherd, Milton Thaiday, Morgan Turinui, Matthew Burke, Chris Whitaker (c); David Lyons, Matt Hodgson, Alister Campbell, Justin Harrison, Marty Wilson, Alastair Baxter, Brendan Cannon, Gareth Hardy.
Chiefs: Loki Crichton, Lome Fa'atau, Mark Ranby, Keith Lowen, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Glen Jackson, Isaac Boss; Steven Bates, Scott Couch, Wayne Ormond, Sean Hohneck, Jono Gibbes (c), Deacon Manu, Tom Willis, Simms Davison.
Res: Scott Linklater, Ben Castle, Bernie Upton, Marty Holah; Kevin Senio, David Hill, Derek Maisey. Kickoff: 9.30pm (NZ time).
