Chief’s lock, Brodie Retallick maintains he is recovering well from his longest‑term injury.
The world‑class second‑rower is biding his getting over his shoulder injury in time, ahead of his return in Friday's final‑round match against the Hurricanes in Hamilton.
It was rough timing for injury to strike just as the season was heating up, with Retallick suffering the setback in the Chiefs' match against the Crusaders in Hamilton on June 2.
Coach Colin Cooper had described his inspirational lock as a chance to return against the Brumbies last weekend, Retallick knew in himself that wouldn't be happening.
Meanwhile the Chiefs will need a bonus‑point win, and margin of 23‑plus, against the Hurricanes to earn quarterfinal hosting rights.
Barring a series of calamities, the Hurricanes and Chiefs are set to meet two weeks in a row. But it's only the second game that counts, when the Hurricanes appear set to host the Chiefs in a Super Rugby quarterfinal.
The Chiefs remain hopeful of securing a home Super Rugby quarterfinal.
The Crusaders have topped the Super Rugby standings with 58 points and they will host their quarter-final, semi-final, final if they continue to win in the knock-out stages.
Waratahs will host their quarter-final as Australian Conference winners while the winner of the South African conference is still up for grabs between the Jaguares and Lions.
The Lions are currently leading their conference with 41 points while the Jaguares are second with 38 points.
If the Jaguares beat the Sharks and the Lions lose to the Bulls , the Jaguares will win the South African conference.
The Hurricanes will take on the Chiefs at 7.35pm Friday while the Reds meet the Sunwolves at 9.35pm.
On Saturday, the Highlanders will face the Rebels at 5.15pm, the Crusaders will play the Blues at 7.35pm, the Waratahs will meet the Brumbies at 9.45pm
On Sunday, the Lions will face the Bulls at 1.05am and the Sharks will take on the Jaguares at 3.15am.
[Source:Stuff.co.nz]
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