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Wellington - The Chiefs have lost three key players to injury in the lead-up to Friday's Super 14 semi-final against the Hurricanes in Hamilton.
Scrumhalf Brendon Leonard, prop Ben May and centre Richard Kahui have all been ruled out of the clash against their fellow New Zealanders.
Leonard and May have both been ruled out for the rest of the Super 14 after injuring themselves in last weekend's 10-7 win over the Brumbies.
Leonard, who tore a hamstring, was replaced by Toby Morland while Sona Taumalolo comes in for May, who was carried from the field with a knee ligament problem.
Kahui was ruled out because of a bruised right calf and replaced by utility back Dwayne Sweeney.
The Chiefs beat the Hurricanes at home two weeks ago and coach Ian Foster was confident of another win despite the casualty list.
"We all can't wait for this match," Foster said on Wednesday.
"It's been a good week of preparation, with a lift in excitement that such an occasion brings."
The Hurricanes retained the same team that beat the Reds 37-28 last weekend but were sweating on the fitness of lock Jeremy Thrush after he hurt his elbow at training.
Thrush has had elbow problems before and coach Colin Cooper said he would have to undergo tests before being cleared to play.
"The doctor is not quite sure how bad it is, he's not ruled out anyway," Cooper said.
Teams:
Chiefs: 15-Mils Muliaina (captain), 14-Lelia Masaga, 13-Dwayne Sweeney, 12-Callum Bruce, 11-Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10-Stephen Donald, 9-Toby Morland, 8-Sione Lauaki, 7-Tanerau Latimer, 6-Liam Messam, 5-Kevin O'Neill, 4-Craig Clarke, 3-James McGougan, 2-Aled de Malmanche, 1-Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16-Hika Elliot, 17-Joe Savage, 18-Toby Lynn, 19-Serge Lilo, 20-David Bason, 21-Mike Delany, 22-Sosene Anesi
Hurricanes: 15-Cory Jane, 14-Tamati Ellison, 13-Conrad Smith, 12-Ma'a Nonu, 11-David Smith, 10-Willie Ripia, 9-Piri Weepu, 8-Rodney So'oialo (captain), 7-Scott Waldrom, 6-Victor Vito, 5-Jason Eaton, 4-Jeremy Thrush, 3-Neemia Tialata, 2-Andrew Hore, 1-John Schwalger.
Replacements: 16-Ged Robinson, 17-Jacob Ellison, 18-Bryn Evans, 19-Karl Lowe, 20-Alby Mathewson, 21-Jason Kawau, 22-Zac Guildford.
