Rugby: Latest incident taxes patience

Sione Lauaki.Photo / Getty Images

The impassive form of Sione Lauaki in dress shirt and jeans on the Chiefs bench made for a confused picture.

Was his presence a sign his latest off-field misdemeanour would soon blow over and he will remain an integral part of the Chiefs campaign? Or was he there as a penance - serving an 80-minute shift in the naughty chair as a precursor to greater humiliations?

Keeping faith in Lauaki is going to be mighty hard. Chiefs coach Ian Foster has every reason to feel not just disappointed but a little angry that Lauaki is the centre of attention again for all the wrong reasons.

Foster took a gamble naming Lauaki as interim captain for the first three rounds but one he felt justified in taking. Having turned down big money overseas offers last year, Lauaki re-signed, promising to help the Chiefs build their legacy.

It was a major call from a player no longer in the thoughts of the national selectors and Foster was impressed with the loyalty and commitment it showed.

When Lauaki entered pre-season already fit and hungry for more work, Foster felt the big man was coming of age; showing himself to be ready for greater responsibility.

An arm infection kept Lauaki out of the opening game and then suspension saw him miss rounds three and four for a reckless tackle against the Lions.

Now Lauaki has been accused of involvement in a late-night incident, details of which are murky.

"It's not been an epic few weeks for Sione," said Foster.

"Off the field, he has been tremendous, but we will have to wait to see the findings of this incident before we can determine his future.

"I'm disappointed for him but the reality is that everyone has to be accountable for their actions and, when you are a senior player, I suppose you have to be even more accountable."

Foster is in an unenviable position. He's not ready to give up on Lauaki. In previous years, the Chiefs have been defined by Lauaki - when he plays well, they play well.

The link even stretches to their notorious slow starts; Lauaki usually takes five to six weeks to find his match fitness.

But how many chances can Lauaki have before they eventually say enough is enough?

Foster doesn't have long to decide. Lauaki has less than 80 minutes of football under his belt this season and needs to play against the Crusaders this week.

The Crusaders are also the perfect means by which Lauaki can make amends. A big night from him would go a long way towards securing a vital home win.

Consecutive home defeats would derail the Chiefs' momentum and confidence. Lauaki is a player who can restore the faith.

He owes his team-mates, Foster and, most important, himself a big performance. The only thing is, they might not want to give him the chance he needs.