6 May 2014

Chiefs injury woes on the mend

3:28 pm on 6 May 2014

The Chiefs' lengthy injury list is easing somewhat, ahead of their local Super Rugby derby with the Blues in New Plymouth on Friday night.

Midfielder Charlie Ngatai, flanker Tevita Koloamatagi and wing Asaeli Tikoirotuma are likely to back up after knocks in the home win over the Stormers, while No.8 Liam Squire will return from a concussion.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie says first five Aaron Cruden is getting good movement back in his broken thumb and he's confident the All Black should be back for the Hurricanes game in three weeks.

Rennie says he's happy with Cruden's replacement Gareth Anscombe's all round game.

Halfback Augustine Pulu faces a knee operation next week though, and lock Ross Filipo will be out until after the June international window with his hamstring injury - while there's no sign of Ben Afeaki's return from concussion.