The Chiefs are facing the prospect of a season without All Blacks flanker Sam Cane while he continues his recovery from a broken neck.
Cane suffered the injury last October during the All Blacks' 32-30 win over the Springboks in Pretoria.
"He's still miles away," Chiefs assistant coach Tabai Matson told NZME after the Chiefs' first preseason match yesterday.
Matson said he hoped the 27-year-old would be back on the field by May, but understands that isn't likely.
"We've had to count him out really, to be fair," Matson said. "There's lots of footy to play before he even gets close."
"It could be a blessing in disguise for him around a lot of the leadership he can focus on for us."
The Chiefs have received good news about other injured players, and will welcome back All Blacks prop Atu Moli and loose forward Mitch Brown. Brown ruptured his ACL in the early stages of last season, while Moli had complications with a quad haematoma he suffered in last year's season opener.
"I don't want to curse them, but we're really positive about having those players available this season," Matson said.
"They're key contributors and key to our success so we're all excited to have them back in. They look like they've been training hard so next Monday they'll join the flock and take the lead in some areas.
"The quicker everybody can get them in, the better it is for you team, so that will be our focus."
Rugby World Cup City Guides - Kumamoto:
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The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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