Chiefs Facing Hooker Crisis for Super Final
The Chiefs will be without Samisoni Taukei’aho for the Super Rugby Pacific final against the Blues, after the All Blacks hooker left the pitch with an Achilles injury during his side’s win over the Hurricanes. Taukei’aho, 26, was replaced 22 minutes into the 30-19 victory at Wellington and is also doubtful for New Zealand’s three-match series against England and Fiji, which begins at Dunedin on July 6.
“It looks like it’s going to be pretty serious, which is unfortunate, not just for us, but for him and probably his All Blacks prospects for the immediate future,” said Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan.
The Chiefs also have doubts over Taukei’aho’s replacement, Bradley Slater, who was hampered throughout his stint, before also leaving the field early. Midfielder Rameka Poihipi subsequently assumed lineoutthrowing duties, while scrums were reduced to ‘Golden Oldies’ contests. “Brad Slater came on, got a knee injury and needed an HIA,” said McMillan.
“He was in the wars, but he managed to soldier on, until he got made to go off, and we finished with a halfback or a second-five throwing the ball in, so there was a fair bit of collateral damage out of this game.”
Tyrone Thompson is the third hooker in the Chiefs squad, but if Slater can’t front up, McMillan may need to summon a back-up from club rugby.
Taukei’aho’s injury comes one week after fellow All Black Patrick Tuipultou was ruled out of the start of the international season with a knee injury sustained while playing for the Blues against Fijian Drua.