Rugby: Injury trouble for Waikato ahead of quarterfinal

Waikato first five-eighth Stephen Donald has a rib injury and is unlikely to play against Hawkes Bay on Sunday. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Waikato could be missing two key players for Sunday's Air New Zealand Cup quarterfinal against Hawke's Bay.

Injuries mean skipper Liam Messam and All Black first five-eighth Stephen Donald are rated "highly unlikely" to play in Napier.

Donald's rib injury is expected to keep him out for at least a fortnight, while Messam has a small hamstring tear.

Waikato coach Tony Hanks says Messam's injury has the potential to flare up when he is fatigued and they will not him play him unless he is 100 per cent fit.

Hanks says while the focus has to be on the Magpies he does have to think ahead for both players as well, who are both in the frame for the All Blacks' Grand Slam tour.

The nine day break between matches has given time for Sione Lauaki and Sitiveni Sivivatu to get over niggling injuries from the Taranaki game, while the Mooloos are boosted by the return of All Black fullback Mils Muliaina.

- NEWSTALK ZB