Rugby: Sivivatu ruled out of Super 14 final

Chiefs winger Sitiveni Sivivatu dislocated his shoulder in Friday's semifinal against the Hurricanes. Photo / Getty Images

The Chiefs Super 14 rugby title bid suffered a significant setback today with All Blacks wing Sitiveni Sivivatu ruled out of the final against the Bulls in Pretoria after dislocating a shoulder.

Sivivatu suffered the injury during the second half of Friday's 14-10 semifinal victory over the Hurricanes - and after a medical assessment he was ruled out of the Chiefs 24-man touring party which leaves for South Africa early tomorrow.

He has been replaced in the squad by Waikato midfield back Jackson Willison, leaving Sosene Anesi and Dwayne Sweeney as potential candidates to complete a back three featuring Mils Muliaina and Lelia Masaga.

On a positive note for the Chiefs ahead of Sunday's (3.30amNZT) finale at Loftus Versfeld, All Black centre Richard Kahui has been named despite a bruised calf sidelining him from the semifinal and the final regular season match against the Brumbies.

He will continue to be monitored when the team reaches Pretoria.

Reserve halfback David Bason has also been passed fit to travel after a hamstring strain saw him miss the win over the Hurricanes while head coach Ian Foster has reinforced his propping stocks by adding Waikato prop Nathan White as added cover for Ben May, who sustained a season-ending knee injury against the Brumbies.

Chiefs squad
Forwards: Sona Taumololo, Joe Savage, Nathan White, James McGougan, Aled de Malmanche, Hika Elliot, Craig Clarke, Kevin O'Neill, Toby Lynn, Liam Messam, Tanerau Latimer, Serge Lilo, Sione Lauaki.

Backs: Toby Morland, David Bason, Stephen Donald, Mike Delany, Callum Bruce, Richard Kahui, Dwayne Sweeney, Jackson Willison, Sosene Anesi, Lelia Masaga, Mils Muliaina.

- NZPA