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The Chiefs May Face Super Rugby Pacific Final Without Star Hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho
The highly anticipated Super Rugby Pacific final could see the Chiefs take on the Blues without their star forward Samisoni Taukei’aho, who sustained a lower leg injury during their semifinal victory over the Hurricanes on Saturday.
The All Blacks hooker was injured midway through the first half while making a tackle, as the Chiefs raced into an early 17-0 lead. Despite continuing to play through the pain, Taukei’aho was visibly limping, and the Hurricanes eventually opened their account with a try against the hobbling hooker.
“It’s pretty bad. We might be looking for another hooker. It’s either a calf or an Achilles. I don’t think it’s real [serious] but something went there.” – Clayton McMillan, Chiefs head coach
To make matters worse, the Chiefs’ replacement hooker, Bradley Slater, also suffered a knee injury and had to undergo a Head Injury Assessment (HIA), leaving the visitors without a specialist hooker by the end of the match.
The Chiefs have Tyrone Thompson as their third-choice hooker in the Super Rugby Pacific squad, but if both Taukei’aho and Slater are ruled out of the final at Eden Park, McMillan may have to turn to the club rugby scene in Hamilton to find a suitable replacement.
“They’re likely to come from club rugby somewhere back into the fold and play a big game. You work all season to try and plan for moments like this when someone has to step up. It might be on the biggest stage, but you just pick them.” – Clayton McMillan, Chiefs head coach
The Super Rugby Pacific final is scheduled for next Saturday, and the Chiefs will be hoping to have their star hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho available, but they may have to navigate the high-stakes encounter with a makeshift lineup if the injury concerns persist.
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