Super 14: Key Chiefs to miss Force clash

The Chiefs will be without winger Sitiveni Sivivatu and lock Craig Clarke for Sunday morning's (NZT) Super 14 rugby match against the Western Force in Perth because of injury.

They are among four players who were to fly home today, with prop Joe McGougan having failed to recover from a back injury which hasn't settled since aggravating it in a pre-season match.

Also, loose forward Sione Lauaki will be on the plane after incurring a two-week suspension from the SANZAR judicial committee in South Africa yesterday for lifting Lions centre Deon van Rensburg in a tackle during the remarkable 72-65 win on Saturday morning.

The most serious injury is that of Clarke's, who suffered a groin problem against the Lions and will be out for three to six weeks. Sivivatu is likely to be sidelined for two weeks after straining his shoulder.

Three replacement players - Chiefs winger Lelia Masaga and wider training group forwards Toby Lynn and Toby Smith will all join the squad in Perth early this week.

- NZPA