Chiefs Lose Lavea For Six Weeks
06/02/2007
Duncan Johnstone
Tasesa Lavea has had a nightmare start to his time with the Chiefs with the draft first five-eights ruled out of the Rebel Sport Super 14 for six weeks with a knee injury.
Lavea made his debut off the bench in last Saturday's loss to the Brumbies and hurt his knee in the process.
A scan on Monday revealed the worst with ruptured ligaments set to keep him on the sidelines for the first half of the campaign.
The Chiefs, well and truly used to having to cover injury problems, have Stephen Donald and Murray Williams as flyhalf choices.
But Lavea had clearly made an impact during his short time with the Chiefs since moving south from Auckland where he was unwanted by the Blues.
Chiefs coach Ian Foster says it is disappointing as Lavea was just starting to fit in well and he was sure he could add something to their backline which is in rebuilding mode.
The Chiefs received some good news on the injury front with big wing Roy Kinikinilau back from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the opener.
Kinikinilau had been in good form over the preseason campaign and could push for a starting role with the Chiefs mulling over their extensive back three options from Friday night's crucial clash with the Hurricanes in Hamilton.
Replacement wing Lelia Masaga made an impact when he came on against the Brumbies and could also start with the possibility of two-try wing Soseni Anesi switching to fullback where he has played with success before.
Waikato stars Richard Kahui (shoulder) and Keith Robinson (calf) are rated 50-50 calls to get over their niggling injuries and start against the Canes.
It's a desperate match for the two first round losers.
With the Chiefs set to head to South Africa after this match they will be eager to get a win under their belt after a mixed performance against the Brumbies.
The Hurricanes were no better in losing to the Reds in Brisbane last weekend and have injury problems of their own including new skipper Conrad Smith who will miss Friday night's match with a facial cut.
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