The Waikato Chiefs will today discover the full extent of Sitiveni Sivivatu's shoulder injury. Sivivatu was hurt diving for the corner just 12 minutes into the Chiefs' stunning 50-26 victory over the Reds on Saturday night. After playing for another couple of minutes, during which he scored a second try, Sivivatu was replaced because of shoulder pain, initially diagnosed as a strain or ligament damage.
A key part of the Chiefs' in-form backline division, Sivivatu has scored six tries in his last two Super 14 outings as the Hamilton team have soared to third place. The Crusaders scrum-half Andy Ellis has been ruled out of Saturday's Super 14 showdown with the Bulls in Christchurch after hurting his ribs during the 11-7 win against the Stormers. The Bulls welcome back lock Victor Matfield and wing Bryan Habana who have been given the all-clear after injury. The South African side slipped from top spot to fourth following last weekend's shock 36-12 defeat to the Highlanders in Palmerston North.
The Hurricanes have also had a couple of injury blows with wing Hosea Gear likely to be out for the rest of the season with a knee injury and loose forward Scott Waldrom out for a couple of weeks with a stomach muscle strain. The pair have flown home from South Africa where the Hurricanes are preparing for Saturday's match against the Sharks in Durban. Waratahs coach Chris Hickey says his side's destiny is now back in their own hands after their win over the Blues in Auckland.
The Waratahs sit alone in second spot on 23 points with six regular-season fixtures remaining. But while they are well placed, Hickey has stressed the importance of continuing their winning ways starting against the unpredictable Stormers in Cape Town this weekend. * With agencies To find out the outcome of yesterday's IRB meeting to discuss the experimental law variations (ELVs), log on to www.thenational.ae/sport
