Chiefs, Reds scramble for fit players

Both hosts and visitors have injuries to resolve before the Chiefs first Super 14 home game in Hamilton on Friday night.

In the Chiefs' case, they are sweating on centre Mark Ranby, who hurt his wrist in the 26-9 win over the Force in Perth. With Niva Ta'auso, the other leading centre candidate, out for at least another fortnight recovering from an ankle injury, Ranby's absence would force a rejig to the backline.

As the Chiefs have four fit wings, one option would see speedster Sosene Anesi moving in one spot from right wing. Another would involve moving All Black fullback Mils Muliaina into No 13 and playing either Anesi or the versatile Loki Crichton at fullback.

The Reds, who have lost all three games so far, are eyeing a return for veteran lock Matt Cockbain.

The 63-cap Wallaby is back after a stint with the Kubota club in Japan and wants to return to the Super 14 after a two-year absence.

With pack leader Mark Connors having popped a rib cartilage, the timing is right for Cockbain.

"We're still trying to work out with the Australian Rugby Union whether we can bring in someone like Matt in a time of injury crisis like this or whether we have to work with the contracted players already in the squad," Reds coach Jeff Miller said.

Several players are sidelined or in doubt for Friday night's match.

Props Greg Holmes and Tom Court and young first five-eighths Berrick Barnes, who also has a rib injury, are all touch-and-go for the game.