Sione Lauaki, the Super 14's outstanding No 8 so far, is unlikely to be fit for the Chiefs first visit to Mt Maunganui to face the Stormers on Saturday night.
The bruising ballrunner suffered a chest injury midway through the second half of last weekend's 26-26 draw with the Bulls
in Hamilton.
It was not as bad as first feared and he has not been officially ruled out, but his chances of recovering in time are remote.
His most likely replacement, Steven Bates, is no stranger to the role, having been the Chiefs regular No 8 last season. This year the pair have swapped roles with Bates operating as blindside flanker and it has worked well for the Chiefs.
Two other players unlikely to be fit for selection when the team is named today are midfield back David Hill and prop Deacon Manu.
Hill's bruised knee is recovering but he missed the Bulls game and has not trained fully this week. Experienced front rower Manu is getting over a bout of gout in a toe. In his absence, newcomer Nathan White has fitted in impressively at tighthead.
The Stormers were ordinary at Eden Park last week and have some in-house difficulties to manage.
Veteran back and captain De Wet Barry is tipped to be dumped by coach Kobus van der Merwe after being yellow-carded against the Blues.
Barry is a serial offender in disciplinary terms and Van der Merwe has had enough. The word is Barry will be dropped and fined for his behaviour, as will hooker Hanyani Shimange, another to see yellow against the Blues. Hooker Schalk Brits is tipped to be named captain today.
"I want the players to understand that we're a professional team and that it is unacceptable for professional players to be so undisciplined. It doesn't help that I shout and perform. I must act decisively," Van der Merwe said. Springbok Marius Joubert is expected to move from wing to centre in a backline rejig.
