KEY POINTS:
Although he has made five changes to the Chiefs' line-up for tomorrow night's clash with the Hurricanes, none involve the two players coach Ian Foster would dearly love to have available - All Black lock Keith Robinson or class centre Richard Kahui.
However, both are almost certain to
board the plane for South Africa at the weekend for the Chiefs' important three-game road trip to the republic.
Robinson has a calf injury and Kahui is recovering from a bruised shoulder. Throw in burly No 8 Sione Lauaki, waiting for a broken wrist to repair, and inside back Tasesa Lavea, gone for at least six weeks with a medial ligament strain, and it's far from ideal.
"Keith had an MRI scan on Monday and the tear is still there, it's still reasonably significant and, therefore, will take longer than we initially thought," Foster said.
"Richard has taken a lot of strides with his shoulder and the muscle is slowly freeing up."
The Chiefs are targeting the Bulls game in Pretoria on February 25 for Robinson's return but are hopeful Kahui might be ready for the Stormers match in Cape Town next Saturday.
Lauaki should be ready for the Bulls and is a faint chance to face the Stormers.
Sanzar rules limit franchises to a travelling squad of 26 when they head overseas.
The changes for the Hurricanes game, which give starting debuts to five players, are largely to get more squad members some decent game time early in the Super 14.
That's the situation for loosehead prop Craig West and lock Toby Lynn in particular, both of whom missed much of the pre-season programme with injuries.
"We want to get them on the park and have them contributing," Foster said. "When you look at the next three weeks in South Africa, it probably puts them in a better position if they have their first start for the Chiefs at Waikato Stadium."
Halfback Brendon Leonard gets his chance ahead of Jamie Nutbrown in a straight swap from last Saturday's 21-15 loss to the Brumbies in Hamilton.
Wings Roy Kinikinilau, over a hamstring injury, and Lelia Masaga, who came off the bench with startling effect with a sizzling try against the Brumbies, get starts. Sosene Anesi, who was in outstanding form on the wing at the weekend, switches to fullback.
Former All Black skipper Tana Umaga, who had been expected to fulfil a largely mentoring role from the bench this season, is back in the middle to lead the Hurricanes in the absence of Conrad Smith, sidelined by a blow to his face in their 25-16 opening round loss to the Reds.
The dangerous Ma'a Nonu moves to the wing and last year's Colts halfback, Alby Mathewson, gets his first Super 14 rugby start..
Up front, already shorn of All Black loose forwards Jerry Collins, Rodney So'oialo and Chris Masoe for the first seven weeks, coach Colin Cooper has now lost Tongan flanker Nili Latu.
Latu has been called into his national side for their World Cup qualifying match against Korea in Auckland on Saturday. That means a promotion for promising Serge Lilo, who has had two Super 14 games.
John Schwalger, who suffered a stiff neck against the Reds, is bracketed at loosehead prop with Tony Penn.
Hamilton, 7.35pm tomorrow
Chiefs:Sosene Anesi, Lelia Masaga, Niva Ta'auso, Tane Tuipulotu, Roy Kinikinilau, Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard, Liam Messam, Marty Holah, Steven Bates, Jono Gibbes (c), Toby Lynn, Nathan White, Tom Willis, Craig West
Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Simms Davison, Kristian Ormsby, Tanerau Latimer, Jamie Nutbrown, Murray Williams, Dwayne Sweeney
Hurricanes: Cory Jane, Hosea Gear, Tana Umaga (c), Tamati Ellison, Ma'a Nonu, Jimmy Gopperth, Alby Mathewson, Thomas Waldrom, Serge Lilo, Luke Andrews, Bernie Upton, Paul Tito, Neemia Tialata, Tone Kopelani, Schwalger/Penn
Reserves: Mahonri Schwalger, Penn/Anthony Perenise, Bradley Mika, Hayden Hopgood, Chris Smylie, David Smith, Shannon Paku
