Rugby: Messam to steer Chiefs for injured Muliaina

Tana Umaga and the Chiefs are eager to consolidate strides made against the Rebels in preparation for a volatile Hurricanes side. Photo / Christine Cornege

Looseforward Liam Messam will captain the Chiefs in the absence of fullback Mils Muliaina who has fractured a small bone in his back.

Muliaina is expected to be sidelined for one month, with the Chiefs playing the Hurricanes, Sharks, Blues and Waratahs before they reach the first of their bye weekends.

This season, Muliaina is threatening to crack century milestones for the All Blacks and Super 15 appearances. But the latter is on hold after he damaged his back taking the opening kickoff in the Chiefs win against the Rebels.

"An x-ray showed he has got a small fracture in a bone on the right side of his spine," coach Ian Foster revealed.

"It's not a major apparently but he will have an MRI scan just to confirm that verdict."

The fullback was in some pain but the best treatment, according to the medical staff, was rest for about three or four weeks.

Messam will take over the captain's armband for the Chiefs next match on Saturday in Wellington against the Hurricanes.

Dynamic outside back Tim Nanai-Williams will shift into the fullback role while there may also be a comeback off the bench for rookie looseforward Fritz Lee, who damaged his medial knee ligament in his debut game against the Brumbies.

"He could be involved, we will have another look at him on Thursday.

"He completed training well but we will need to give him another test. Toby Smith and Hayden Triggs are two who won't be considered because of injury."

Meanwhile midfielder Richard Kahui will continue his comeback with another appearance for a development squad tonight against Fiji A in Tauranga.

He played for the side last week against Tonga without any problems and Foster wants him to get in some more contact work.

"We want him to get more matchplay so he won't be considered for this weekend but he may be ready for the Sharks game."

The Hurricanes will also be without test midfielder Ma'a Nonu whose one match ban has actually covered three weeks of the extended Super 15 series.

Foster and his backroom staff have little video evidence to study about the Hurricanes this season. They were unimpressive in their opening loss to the Highlanders, shared the points when their game with the Crusaders was cancelled and had a bye last round.

"It may not be a bad thing for us," Foster said.

"We made some good strides in our game last round and we need to concentrate on improving that. The Hurricanes will have been working hard on refining their game for two weeks.

"They will be an awkward proposition whatever happens."