Chiefs again get savaged by injury toll
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Although the Chiefs will be taking part in the new Super Rugby Aotearoa competition for the remainder of the season, their growing injury toll remains consistent with the problems they’ve faced since Super Rugby’s inception in 1996.
In the front end of this year’s regular competition, Angus Ta’avao, Atu Moli and All Blacks utility back Damian McKenzie spent time on the sidelines through injury while Nathan Harris was ruled out for the year before the first match even kicked off. New All Blacks captain Sam Cane will also miss the opening match of the Aotearoa competition.
The Chiefs yesterday confirmed that Moli — as well as locks Michael Allardice and Laghlan McWhannell and outside back Sam McNicol — will all be out for the remainder of the season.
No replacements have been made for Moli (who will undergo FAI surgery on both left and right hips due to chronic hip dysfunction) or McNicol (ankle surgery) who are both in the final years of their contracts with the Chiefs and New Zealand Rugby.
McNicol has fought his way back from many an injury since his Super Rugby debut for the Hurricanes in 2015 but the latest setback will be even more frustrating for the talented utility, given he is potentially fighting for a contract for next season.
The depleted Chiefs kick off their campaign against the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday evening.