The Chiefs will likely need to call up a hooker from club rugby to play in Saturday’s Super Rugby final against the Blues after losing Samisoni Taukei’aho and Bradley Slater to injuries in their 30-19 semifinal win over the Hurricanes.
Taukei’aho injured a calf or Achilles in the first half, while Slater suffered a knee and a head injury. Both players struggled with leg issues and failed to leave the field for a head injury assessment.
Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan said they might be looking for another hooker due to injuries. Tyrone Thompson is the other hooker in the Chiefs squad, but McMillan said they would likely need to call in additional cover for the final, possibly bringing in a player from Hamilton club rugby.
Chiefs fullback Shaun Stevenson was a late withdrawal with a hamstring injury. Wallace Sititi, Chiefs No.8, was the standout player of yesterday’s semifinal and is highly anticipated in his match-up against Blues counterpart Hoskins Sotutu.
