Highlanders, Chiefs and Blues sweat it out

While the Hurricanes continue to pursue the Crusaders and a home semifinal, the Chiefs, Blues and Highlanders are locked together outside the leading Super 14 group.

The Highlanders head for a bye after yesterday's loss to the Hurricanes, with their semifinal hopes dwindling with matches against the Waratahs and Brumbies to follow.

The Chiefs face a daunting schedule too with the Cheetahs this week before they meet the Hurricanes, Waratahs and Blues.

Anxiety levels rose for the Blues too when they left yesterday for South Africa without two of their squad regulars, Rua Tipoki and Troy Flavell.

Midfielder Tipoki was banned for 16 weeks for a swinging elbow which fractured James Hilgendorf's eye socket in Friday's match with the Force. Blues officials were still waiting for legal advice yesterday about whether to appeal the suspension, the heaviest given a New Zealand player in the history of Super rugby.

Tipoki admitted he tried to "check" Hilgendorf but had no intention of wounding his foe. "It was just another careless, sloppy action by myself which has resulted in an injury to another player and a hefty suspension for myself," Tipoki said.

"So all I can do is accept responsibility for my actions and what's come about and just say that I never intended to injure James."

The judicial committee said there was little mitigation for Tipoki who had appeared twice previously on striking charges.

Flavell will have his left shoulder scanned tomorrow with fears he may need surgery or a lengthy rest from the game. His injury and Tipoki's suspension meant a touring reprieve for Kurtis Haiu and George Pisi. Halfback Steve Devine was not available.

Flavell's injury may mean a quick reintroduction for loose forward Jerome Kaino who has only just received his medical clearance after a shoulder reconstruction.