Rugby: Nanai-Williams 'gutted' over latest injury

A knee and a groin injury to Chiefs centre Tim Nanai-Williams could cut his season short ahead of the Super 15 playoffs. Photo/Getty Images.

Chiefs centre Tim Nanai-Williams has revealed his disappointment at what is almost certainly a season-ending injury.

Nanai-Williams strained a knee and re-injured his problem groin in the 26-16 victory over the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday. The Chiefs' next match is in a fortnight - a home semifinal - but Nanai-Williams won't play in that match and is in extreme doubt for the final the following week if his team make it that far.

"Gutted to hear that I might be out for the year #verysad,'' Nanai-Williams wrote on his twitter account this afternoon (Mon).

Yesterday, Chiefs coach Dave Rennie said on Radio Sport that the centre's season was likely to be over. It is understood that Nanai-Williams is having scans on his injuries.

Bundee Aki, who is having a fine first season in Super Rugby, is likely to be named as second-five for his team's semifinal on Saturday, July 27, with Charlie Ngatai the favourite to be selected as his midfield partner. Andrew Horrell is an option but he appears a safer bet at fullback following Robbie Robinson's slip in form in the No15 jersey. Robinson played on the wing against the Blues after playing at fullback in the big loss to the Crusaders the week before.

Rennie's other big injury concern is All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick, who has a high ankle sprain. Rennie was encouraged by the way Retallick played until halftime after hurting the joint, but he remains in doubt.

Mike Fitzgerald is the obvious replacement for Retallick, but Ross Filipo is also an option. Filipo represented the All Blacks at lock but has shifted to No8 after playing in Europe.

Flanker Tanerau Latimer suffered a haematoma on his calf against the Blues and was limping badly afterwards.