Tasesa Lavea's hopes for a fresh start to his rugby career have hit a major speed bump.
The former Blues man is out for at least six weeks with a medial ligament strain, sustained during his 20-minute stint as a replacement late in Saturday's 21-15 loss to the
Brumbies in Hamilton.
And there remain significant question marks over two key figures the Chiefs had hoped would be fit for the home game against the Hurricanes on Friday night.
All Black lock Keith Robinson is battling a calf twinge and centre Richard Kahui, coming off a rollicking Air New Zealand Cup campaign with Waikato, is recovering from a bruised shoulder.
On the plus side, big wing Roy Kinikinilau, who had impressed in pre-season, is over his hamstring strain and could figure in a rejigged back three when coach Ian Foster names his 22 today.
"We'll be working pretty hard on everyone but obviously if you look at the likes of a Robinson or a Kahui, they're still going to be 50-50 calls," Foster said.
Lavea's absence may open the door for Bay of Plenty first five-eighths Murray Williams as inside back reserve.
Other interesting selection issues for Foster and his assistant Warren Gatland will include retaining Jamie Nutbrown at halfback or swapping him with Saturday's replacement, Brendon Leonard.
Nutbrown suffered through ordinary service at times against the Brumbies, and Leonard looked a sparky operator when he came on.
The Hurricanes also have injury concerns. Captain and All Black Conrad Smith is out, after a heavy knock to an eye in their 25-16 loss to the Reds in Brisbane.
Prop Tim Fairbrother dislocated his left shoulder in a brief appearance off the bench and could be gone for a month. The man he replaced, John Schwalger, may be fit after suffering neck stiffness against the Reds.
The teams will be named today.
