The Chiefs are hopeful Damian McKenzie will be back for this weekend’s crunch top of the table Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Their star All Blacks play maker was absent as they were humbled by the Hurricanes in Wellington yesterday, going scoreless in the second half in a 35-17 defeat.
McKenzie also missed the Chiefs’ previous outing – a 56-22 win over the Western Force in Mount Maunganui on Anzac Day – while sidelined with a minor hand injury.
The Chiefs’ loss to the Hurricanes didn’t knock them out of top spot, but they have stayed level on points with the Crusaders, who now have a game in hand after having the bye this past weekend.
While their superior points difference (+120 to +96) gives them the edge at present, the Chiefs will need a win at Apollo Projects Stadium on Saturday to stay there.
Coach Clayton McMillan says everything's tracking in the direction that he should be available, but they won't count their chickens before they hatch.
The Crusaders play the Chiefs at 7.05pm Saturday.
In other games, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua host the Blues at 7.05pm Friday, the Waratahs play the Reds at 9.35pm Friday, the Force meet the Brumbies at 9.35pm Saturday.
Source: Stuff.co
