Rugby: Injuries fail to halt Chiefs strong opening half of Super Rugby season

Sean Wainui left the field with an injury concern in the Chiefs' 36-12 win over the Red. Photo / Getty Images

Another week, another injury. It's been the story of the Chiefs' Super rugby season, and in their 36-12 win against the Reds on Saturday it continued.

The Hamilton-based club lost first five-eighth Damian McKenzie early in the piece to a head knock, while winger Sean Wainui came from the field late with a shoulder concern.
Both players were set to be further assessed, however with the side heading into a bye week they'll have an extra week to recover.

"As you would expect, [Damian] wanted to get back on and felt that he was okay but the fact that he got dazed – the first part of the protocol is you come off and they reassess you in the morning," Chiefs coach Colin Cooper said.

"The bye's come at a great time. We've had three pretty physical games, then to come to Brisbane and beat the Reds at their home, it's been a good effort by the guys."

Heading into the Reds match, the Chiefs had 14 players unavailable for selection. That's seemed to be a weekly occurrence for the club, but it hasn't slowed them down.

At the halfway point of their campaign, the Chiefs boasted a 6-2 record. Despite losing key cogs in their system, the club has seen a number of others step up in a big way – with the likes of lock Tyler Ardron stamping their mark on the competition.

The Canadian lock has been a real find for the Chiefs this year and his confidence showed against the Reds. He scored the opening try of the match, before taking every opportunity to show his ability as a playmaker.

It's been important for the Chiefs to get that level of production from the players they've called in, as they've continued on a path that looks set to lead toward a post-season berth.

While they'd take the week off to reflect, Cooper said there wouldn't be a clear indication of how their season is tracking until their trip to South Africa where they'll meet the Stormers and Sharks in weeks 13 an 14.

"I think when we come back from South Africa we'll probably have a fair idea of where we're placed and what we need to do."