Chiefs unsure about Lauaki's shoulder

The Chiefs are trying not to let an injury to their star loose forward get them down as they progress in the Super 14.

Sione Lauaki sustained a shoulder injury in second half of the draw against the Bulls in Hamilton on Saturday.

Coach Ian Foster says initial medical checks show the shoulder is not dislocated, and there is not any serious muscle damage but a full diagnosis is yet to be given.

However, Foster says Lauaki is still not looking too good and the Chiefs are unsure how long they will be without him.

Meanwhile, All Black and Highlanders lock James Ryan will see another specialist today over his shoulder injury, and he could need season-ending surgery.

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The Crusaders are back on top of the points table after nine weeks of the competition.

Their win over the Waratahs has them leading the standings by two points, with New South Wales still to have a bye.

The other change in the top four is that the Brumbies take over third on points difference from the Hurricanes.

The Highlanders and Chiefs are sixth and seventh respectively, while the Blues are still back in tenth, despite scoring a bonus point win over the Stormers.

- NEWSTALK ZB