Replacements have been called in to the Chiefs' squad for the final Telecom Rugby Super 12 trial match against the Highlanders in Tauranga on Friday.

Chiefs' Manager Steve Gilbert says the team remains on track despite injury setbacks during the 17-23 loss to the ACT Brumbies at the weekend.

"We're happy with our progress. Results don't count until the Super 12 competition begins and the trial games have shown us we are where we want to be with our preparation."

The most significant news today is that New Zealand Sevens captain and winger Karl Te Nana has been confirmed as a replacement for injured fullback Todd Miller. However, Te Nana will be available to captain the National Sevens team at the Hong Kong Sevens tournament as the event coincides with a bye for the Chiefs. Miller is scheduled to have cartilage surgery this week and will be sidelined for the first three weeks of the Super 12 competition.Te Nana appeared for the Highlanders in 2000 as a replacement and was unfortunate not gain a Super 12 contract for 2001 when the squads were announced in December.

Chiefs' Colt's member Isaac Boss has also been brought in to replace halfback Rhys Duggan, after Duggan broke his wrist against ACT. Duggan is likely to be unavailable for six weeks.

Northland prop Tim Knight is also confirmed as a replacement for Dennis Hazelton, who has a niggling ankle injury.

Gilbert expects the Chiefs to lift their intensity for Friday night's game at the Tauranga Domain.

"We're getting closer to a shadow XV for the final trial game. We'll play under competition conditions, with two 40-minutes halves, and players know positions are at stake. We're expecting it to be a tough workout."