Gibbes close to comeback for Chiefs

Jono Gibbes

Inspirational captain Jono Gibbes is set for a timely return as the Chiefs look to atone for a messy start to the Super 14 rugby series.

Gibbes, who has not played since September due to a foot injury, is on track to return for the Chiefs against the Cats in Johannesburg on Saturday morning (NZ time).

The Chiefs always targeted the utility forward's return for this weekend and coach Ian Foster sounded upbeat about Gibbes' chances today.

However, Foster was giving nothing away, saying Gibbes' status would not be confirmed until the team were named on Thursday (NZ time).

"He's come through pretty good but I'm keen on seeing him get through the next two days' trainings," Foster told NZPA from Cape Town.

"I haven't seen him go 100 per cent yet. He hasn't really completed a full-on team training at 100 per cent one day after another.

"The signs are very positive but we'll just wait to see the next two days.

"I want to see him get through two solid days in a row and then see how he shapes up."

Gibbes missed the latter stages of last year's NPC because of continuing problems with his foot and then suffered two stress fractures to the foot after returning to training just before Christmas.

The Chiefs could certainly do with Gibbes' calming presence after they opening their campaign with a 21-30 loss to the Sharks in Durban last weekend.

Foster said he would not be rushed into using Gibbes before he was fully ready.

"We have 13 more games so we're not panicking about getting him in just because we've lost a game.

"We'll make a decision based on where he's at rather than the performance last weekend."

Meanwhile, the Chiefs have lost centre Niva Ta'auso for two to three weeks after he sustained an ankle injury against the Sharks.

Young Counties-Manukau wing Lelia Masaga has been called up to replace Ta'auso, whose departure for home left the Chiefs with just 10 backs in South Africa.

- NZPA