Bruised Chiefs face test of character against leaders

Tom Willis is one of the latest casualties. Picture / Getty Images

While the Chiefs have been counting their wounded, their next opponents, the Waratahs, have been gallivanting around Queenstown.

The new Super 14 leaders have matched their new high-flying status by trying most of the thrills on offer in the adventure capital of New Zealand.

They indulged themselves in several days of whitewater rafting, bungy-jumping, jet-boating and other activities after their win against the Highlanders nudged them ahead of the becalmed Crusaders.

But the Waratahs are back on the training field today and are expected to name an unchanged side to face the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday.

The Chiefs will struggle to have a similar selection luxury with hooker Tom Willis and flanker Liam Messam the latest casualties from the loss to the Hurricanes.

Willis was concussed early when he was clocked by a high shot from Chris Masoe. The incident clearly riled Chiefs coach Ian Foster, but he chose not to take the matter further.

Loose forward Messam has a sternum injury which will need to be assessed later this week, while Jono Gibbes' damaged ribs are still causing him trouble and centre Niva Ta'auso is battling ankle problems.

The Chiefs' playoff ambitions are gone after their loss to the Hurricanes, their largest defeat this season. It was a poor effort and one the squad is determined to redress on Saturday in their bid to derail the series leaders.

"It's a test of a team's character how they keep going and the levels they keep at," Foster said, "and if there's a lot of internal pride in the performances, which I know our guys have, they will carry on."

This match ends the Chiefs' schedule in Hamilton with a number hoping to remind the national selectors they should return for the All Blacks opening test against Ireland at the same venue on June 10.