Reds without key players for Chiefs clash

The Queensland Reds could be without three frontline players for their Super 12 rugby match against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday night.

Yesterday's suspension of blindside flanker Daniel Heenan is the latest blow for the Reds, whose first five-eighth and captain Elton Flatley is recovering from three nasty head gashes.

The Reds have already lost No 8 John Roe, who was due to return home today with Heenan after aggravating a shoulder injury against the Blues 11 days ago.

A Sanzar judicial hearing in Wellington yesterday found Heenan guilty of illegal rucking during the game against the Crusaders in Nelson last Saturday and suspended him from all rugby up to and including April 1.

Heenan was cited for an incident in the Reds' 24-59 loss and charged with stamping or trampling on Crusaders flanker Richie McCaw.

After hearing evidence, the judicial committee of Graham Williams, Brian Coomber and Tim Gresson was not satisfied Heenan had intentionally stamped or trampled on McCaw.

Instead it found he had committed an act of foul play in illegally rucking McCaw in a reckless manner.

Although he had lost his balance while attempting to ruck for the ball, Heenan had recklessly continued rucking, which brought his boot into contact with McCaw's head.

Heenan's suspension is a huge blow to the winless Reds, who had already lost Roe and may also lose Flatley for Friday night's match at Waikato Stadium.

They were due to name their side later today.

A Reds spokesman said they were hopeful Flatley, who required stitches in cuts to his eyebrow and forehead after the Crusaders game to go with those already in place in his cheek after the Blues match, would be able to play against the Chiefs.

But they are obviously not confident as they are flying in young five-eighth Scott Daruda from Brisbane as a back up.

Were Flatley ruled out -- and the Reds are keen to give him all week to prove his fitness -- Julian Huxley will take over at No 10 and Daruda will go to the bench.

Luke Doherty, who together with Mitchell Chapman joined the Reds in New Zealand last week, will come in to the loose forward mix in place of Heenan.

- NZPA