Sam Cane doubtful starter for Chiefs semi-final clash

All Blacks international Sam Cane is a doubtful starter for the Chiefs Super Rugby semi-final clash against the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.

The Chiefs flanker sustained a head injury at the start of the second half in his team's 60-21 quarter-final victory against the Stormers at DHL Newlands and was replaced by Lachlan Boshier. The 24-year-old will now have to undergo the standard concussion protocols before he will be declared fit to take the field again.

Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie confirmed the news on Cane following last weekend's quarter-final clash against the Stormers.

"Sam Cane suffered minor concussion and was pretty grumpy that he couldn’t go back on," said Rennie.

Apart from Cane, Chiefs might also miss the services of their centre Stephen Donald, who left in the 25th minute of the game with a shoulder injury. Rennie said Donald's status will be known in the due course after assessment from the medical team.

"Stephen Donald took a knock to his shoulder and we are unsure of the extent at the moment. The midfield is a dangerous position for us at the moment," Rennie added.

Chiefs fly-half Aaron Cruden lauded the youngsters in the team for stepping-up and taking the responsibility after the Hamilton based club had lost a number of senior players to injuries while some have already made a move to other clubs.

"There was a lot of experienced players leaving New Zealand shores which created a lot of uncertainty. But the amount of young talent coming through never ceases to amaze.

"You look at our squad, there are a lot of guys in their first or second year of Super Rugby and they have really stepped up to the mark.

"It's exciting and invigorating to feed off the energy the younger guys provide," said Cruden.