KEY POINTS:
The Hurricanes will know today whether All Blacks prop Neemia Tialata will be available for Friday's Super 14 rugby match against the Blues.
Tialata appeared before Sanzar judicial officer Chris Morris in Wellington yesterday on a dangerous tackle charge but the finding has been deferred until today.
Tialata was cited by citing commissioner Steve Hinds for a dangerous tackle on Western Force player Dane Haylett-Petty in Friday's match in Wellington.
Morris said as a result of extensive evidence at the hearing, the finding would be deferred.
Six teams including the Hurricanes and the Blues will be battling for three playoff places in the last round of the round-robin competition at the weekend. The Crusaders have secured the No 1 spot for the playoffs.
Meanwhile the Chiefs have been forced to fly four players to South Africa for their final-round match against the Sharks.
Five players will fly home ahead of the game they must win at Durban on Sunday morning to have any chance of reaching the semifinals.
Three props are among those leaving, including Ben May, who was yesterday suspended for three weeks for careless use of the foot during the 27-33 loss to the Lions in Johannesburg on Sunday.
Simms Davison, who didn't play at Johannesburg because of a back injury, and Simon Lemalu, who injured his knee, are also leaving.
Reserve halfback David Bason and centre Richard Kahui, who has failed to shake off an ankle strain that ruled him out of the Lions game, will also return home.
Going to Durban are All Blacks halfback Brendon Leonard, who has been recuperating from a knee injury, midfield back Murray Williams, prop Nathan White and hooker John Paeranga.
Key players Sione Lauaki, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Tom Willis are in doubt after leaving the field early in Johannesburg. No 8 Lauaki suffered a hamstring strain, winger Sivivatu an ankle sprain and hooker Willis a side strain last week.
- NZPA
