Injuries continue to hamper the Chiefs' Super 12 rugby buildup.
Coach Kevin Greene yesterday welcomed several players back onto the training field at a four-day camp at Mount Maunganui, but he has lost several others to injury following the Chiefs' 40-31 loss to the Auckland Blues on Friday.
The Chiefs play the Hurricanes in a practice match at Tauranga Domain on Thursday night.
Prop David Briggs (elbow) and midfield back Mark Ranby (groin) sat out yesterday's tackle session at Blake Park, although lock Chresten Davis, who didn't play on Friday, is back running.
Second-rower Royce Willis strained his left medial ligament and won't play on Thursday.
All Blacks first five-eighth David Hill and hooker Guy Coleman didn't even bother travelling to the Mount.
Hill lasted just 10 minutes on Friday before injuring his wrist. Although an X-ray showed no break, he was having a bone scan yesterday to determine the extent of the damage.
Coleman, returning from knee surgery, twisted his knee and is on crutches.
Chiefs captain Deon Muir was another casualty from Friday's hitout, hurting his troublesome ribs.
Waikato NPC players Mark Van Gisbergen and Greg Smith have been added to the squad in place of Hill and Coleman. There has been no replacement for Willis, with the Chiefs already flush with locks.
Greene said the injuries were frustrating but part and parcel of early-season rugby.
"We could do without them but as we lose a few, we get a few back, so as long as that continues we should be right," he said.
Hill and Coleman are causing the rookie head coach the most concern ahead of the Super 12 kickoff on February 23, with the Chiefs taking on New South Wales in Rotorua.
"Hopefully Hilly's bone scan shows nothing serious," Greene said. "He's looking forward to a big season. He got the recognition last season (with All Blacks selection) but it is now up to him to show that he can carry on at the same level."
Greene will confirm his starting 15 for Thursday's game, which kicks off at 6 pm, after training today.
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Rugby: Injuries hamper Chiefs' buildup
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