Rugby: Captain's jersey handed to Muir

By Chris Rattue

The Chiefs have lost their loosehead prop and captain, Michael Collins, for what is shaping as a torrid test of their forward power against the Cats at Pukekohe Stadium today.

The Chiefs may have had their share of problems in the tight exchanges this year, and it is difficult for the sideline observer to pinpoint exactly where the problems lie when their scrum has backpedalled.

But in the round-the-field exchanges, Collins has been the best of their front-rowers, with some big-hearted efforts, and his loss is vital going into today's game.

No 8 Deon Muir, the Waikato NPC captain, will take over as the leader, while Lee Lidgard switches to loosehead and Paul Martin comes in at tighthead, with David Briggs drafted on to the bench.

Collins' injury has been identified as a ligament tear around the chest, rather than the shoulder problem he was originally thought to have when he was injured in training. Collins tried to persuade the Chiefs' management that he would be right for the game but they took the decision to stand him down.

"He's been very forceful about wanting to play and with a couple of days he would have been all right, but we don't think it is a good idea," Chiefs manager Steve Gilbert said.

"You're better off spelling him - you just can't afford a front-rower playing with injuries in this competition."

The Cats have also lost a prop, Willie Meyer, through illness. Veteran Free State front-rower Dougie Heymans comes in for him.

The Cats hinted at the sort of forward power they have against the Blues, although strange option-taking nullified their advantages in that area at Eden Park.

Coach Andre Maarkgraaff tried to play down an over-emphasis on their forwards trying to overpower the Chiefs.

"We are one of the highest points and try-scorers in the competition and have scored many tries in our backs," he said.

"With Ian Jones back in the Chiefs they have a very good set of tight forwards. Any side which can beat ACT in Canberra must have something there."

The Chiefs, meanwhile, will be hoping to continue their run of knocking over opposing sides' semifinal hopes.

"The media have portrayed us as the semifinal spoilers after our last two victories and if that's the way we are seen, we will accept that," said coach Ross Cooper.

"If we can help some other New Zealand sides get into the semis then that's fine by us."

A key to the Chiefs' hopes will lie in the performance of halfback Danny Lee, having his first Super 12 start. Their greatest weapons are in the outside backs, and it will be up to Lee and Glen Jackson to ensure they get the ball in good positions even if the forwards are under strain.