Gibbes set to lead Chiefs in Sydney

Jono Gibbes

The Chiefs got good news on the eve of the Super 12 yesterday with inspirational captain Jono Gibbes all but confirming he will lead the side against the Waratahs in Sydney on Friday night.

In the last few months the popular, versatile Gibbes could have donated his body to medical studies as he was laid low with a variety of problems.

His injuries began with a blown calf muscle which sidelined him before he could take the field on the All Blacks end-of-year tour to Europe. That was followed by a groin strain, a recurrence of the calf injury, back problems - and last week a stomach bug was thrown in for good measure.

But he came through training yesterday and, despite only 25 minutes of pre-season rugby, pronounced himself ready for Sydney.

"To be honest I'm not as fit as I should be at this time of the year," Gibbes said. "Hopefully I can go the distance on Friday night and get some quality footy under my belt. I'm certainly up for it mentally."

With All Black lock Keith Robinson, hooker Tom Willis and wing Sitiveni Sivivatu all expected to miss the early stages of the competition because of injury, yesterday's development with Gibbes is good news for coach Ian Foster.

"Today's two sessions were important for Jono. Fingers crossed, we expect him to be out there on Friday," Foster added.

All Black halfback Byron Kelleher sat out yesterday afternoon's training with a slightly tight calf muscle, but is likely to be fit for Friday night.

The Chiefs, determined to build on last year when they made the semifinals for the first time, will name their team tomorrow before the squad flies to Sydney.