Bonus point wins not essential yet, says Foster

Chiefs coach Ian Foster doesn't think his team need to chase bonus points too hard yet in order to make the Super 14 rugby playoffs.

The Hamilton-based franchise sit seventh in the competition, six points behind the fourth-placed ACT Brumbies, as they head into tomorrow night's match against the Cheetahs in Hamilton.

With four matches to play, bonus points for scoring four tries could prove important in securing a place in the top four. But Foster wasn't going to ask his team to go too hard to secure the bonus point just yet.

"What is essential is winning, and our simple focus is on that," Foster told NZPA yesterday.

"We are only six points behind the Brumbies and they have some tough games ahead. We have got to secure the points for winning and if we win all our remaining games we have a chance of making it."

Among the Chiefs' biggest problem this season has been missing out on points in close finishes, as a draw with the Bulls and narrow losses to the Crusaders and Brumbies has highlighted.

But in addition to the need to keep winning, Foster has the problem of an increasing injury list in his team.

Foster said in-form No 8 Sione Lauaki is likely to miss the rest of Super 14 with a torn pectoral muscle, though a final decision was not expected for two days.

"It's looking 99 per cent sure he will require surgery which probably means a three-month layoff," Foster said of the All Blacks loose forward.

"We are just getting the final data in the next 48 hours but at this stage we're presuming we won't see him again this season.

"It's very disappointing -- we don't like losing anyone and it's hard on a guy that's put so much effort in the competition so far but it's the nature of the game these days."

Another All Black, utility back Mils Muliaina, will miss tomorrow's match due to a bruised groin.

"We tried his injury out at training but it didn't come through so he's out of the 22 for Friday," Foster said.

"Hopefully we can get the bruised groin right for game 11 (the week afterwards)."

Stepping into Lauaki's position this week will be Liam Messam, who has been shifted from blindside flanker last week.

Kristian Ormsby will wear the number six jersey, with Marty Holah back at openside flanker and the experienced Steven Bates on the bench.

"Liam had his first start of the season last week and we were pretty pleased with his game and we thought he deserved the chance," Foster said.

"But the fact that Liam's playing is no slight on Batesey -- he's played in every game so far and we want to manage him to make sure he's in the best shape we can have him. He's very important to us and he should get some game time against the Cheetahs for sure."

Foster has made several other changes for tomorrow's match.

In the tight five, Sean Hohneck gets the nod at lock and prop Nathan White and hooker Aleki Lutui are also selected in the starting side.

At halfback, Jamie Nutbrown replaces Byron Kelleher, who drops to the bench, while Anthony Tahana, who scored two tries in the win over the Stormers last weekend, will start on one wing. Tahana's inclusion sees Sosene Anesi move to fullback.

Among the Chiefs' opponents tomorrow night will be the familiar face of Keith Lowen, a 50-game veteran for the Chiefs who will run on at second five-eighth.

"He was a great player for the Chiefs for years and a lot of the guys will look forward to catching up with him after the game," Foster said.

"But we're looking forward to playing against him. One thing's for sure, we're pretty familiar with his game."

- NZPA