Injury crisis facing Mitchell's Chiefs
by Huw Turner
March 12, 2001

After just three rounds of this year's Super 12 the Waikato Chiefs are struggling with the twin problems of further injuries and a meagre return of four points , which places them in 11th position.

Pre-season injuries had already deprived them of the services of David Briggs, Dennis Hazelton, Rhys Duggan and Todd Miller for varying lengths of time, then Scott McLeod and Mark Cooksley were ruled out of the game against the Crusaders after picking up knocks in the victory over the Reds in Rotorua.

It seemed that things could not get much worse, but they have ! Flanker Jonno Gibbes picked up a serious ankle injury in Christchurch which threatens to keep him out for a number of weeks. Fellow flanker Koula Tukino and lock Keith Robinson are also in doubt for the Chiefs' next match, a tough one , against the Blues in Rotorua.

There may be some consolation for coach John Mitchell in the news that Cooksley and McLeod may be fit in time to line up against the Blues, a game the Chiefs must win to avoid losing touch with those teams above them.But it will not be easy as the Blues, who eased themselves into fifth place after their dramatic last-gasp win over the Reds, look to consolidate their position as play off contenders.

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