KEY POINTS:
Three key Chiefs players have sat out practice as the Waikato based franchise prepares to host the table topping Crusaders on Friday night.
Captain Mils Muliaina, halfback Brendan Leonard and prop Simms Davison watched the majority of the 90 minute session from the sidelines.
Coach Ian Foster said the bone bruising that Leonard suffered on his knee against the Brumbies is slowly coming right, while Muliaina and Davison are also progressing well.
Muliaina is recovering from his hamstring strain while Davison is recovering from a pulled muscle in his backside.
Foster has also confirmed that Jono Gibbes is still unavailable for selection.
Gibbes tore his hamstring against the Hurricanes in round three. At the time it was hoped he would be back in time for the crucial game with the competition leaders. However, Foster said an old knee injury has come back to haunt Gibbes, keeping him out of action for another week..
Meanwhile, just over eight thousand tickets are left for Friday night's match at Waikato Stadium.
The Chiefs are urging spectators to arrive early as the match clashes with the Hamilton 400 this weekend, so access to and from the circuit is limited.
Chiefs marketing manager Pat Mellsop said fans will have to make adjustments to their usual schedule and they would like to have everyone in the ground before 7pm.
He said they will be starting the pre-match entertainment early to accommodate the fans.
Three park and ride stations have been set up and Mellsop is urging fans to use them rather than driving to the stadium.
The Chiefs are expecting a sell-out crowd of 25,000.
- NEWSTALK ZB
