The Waikato Chiefs have lost three key players to injury in the lead-up to tomorrow’s Super 14 semi-final against the Wellington Hurricanes in Hamilton.
Scrumhalf Brendon Leonard, prop Ben May and center Richard Kahui have all been ruled out of the clash against their fellow New Zealanders.
Leonard and May have both been ruled out for the rest of the Super 14 after injuring themselves in last weekend’s 10-7 win over the ACT Brumbies.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Leonard, who tore a hamstring, was replaced by Toby Morland while Sona Taumalolo comes in for May, who was carried from the field with a knee ligament problem.
Kahui was ruled out because of a bruised right calf and replaced by utility back Dwayne Sweeney.
The Chiefs beat the Hurricanes at home two weeks ago and coach Ian Foster was confident of another win despite the casualty list.
“We all can’t wait for this match,” Foster said yesterday. “It’s been a good week of preparation, with a lift in excitement that such an occasion brings.”
The Hurricanes retained the same team that beat Queensland 37-28 last weekend but were sweating on the fitness of lock Jeremy Thrush after he hurt his elbow at training.
Thrush has had elbow problems before and coach Colin Cooper said he would have to undergo tests before being cleared to play.
“The doctor is not quite sure how bad it is, he’s not ruled out anyway,” Cooper said.
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