The Highlanders will wait until this morning to name their team to take on the Chiefs tomorrow, with the possibility players who have just joined the squad will get a run.
Injured players are compounding the selection issue, while loose forward James Haskell and midfield back Tamati Ellison were due to arrive in Dunedin last night after finishing their Japanese club commitments.
They could be available for selection, although it seems unlikely they will start the game in Hamilton.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph faces an issue at tighthead prop, with Chris King (groin) and Ma'afu Fia (hamstring) not fully fit.
If both players are ruled out, Bronson Murray will probably come into the starting XV and wider training squad member Jacob Ellison, Tamati's younger brother, will come into the reserves.
With injuries to the backs, the versatile Ellison may come into the reserves at least, while Haskell's experience and power would be useful coming off the bench.
The Chiefs, under new coach Dave Rennie, have named a powerful-looking XV, especially in the backs.
The side has five past or present All Blacks in its backline, with Sonny Bill Williams selected at second five-eighth and Richard Kahui outside him. Williams played his only pre-season game last week.
Aaron Cruden will make his debut for the Chiefs in the first five-eighth position.
Captain and blindside flanker Liam Messam was under an injury cloud over a calf but has passed a fitness test and will play.
Former Highlander Robbie Robinson will play at fullback for the Chiefs.
The club game between Maniototo and Taieri will be played at Forsyth Barr Stadium on March 10, not March 3 as reported earlier this week.
Chiefs team
To play the Highlanders
Robbie Robinson, Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Sonny Bill Williams, Tim Nanai-Williams, Aaron Cruden, Brendon Leonard, Fritz Lee, Sam Cane, Liam Messam (captain), Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke, Ben Afeaki, Hika Elliot, Arizona Taumalolo. Reserves: Mahonri Schwalger, Toby Smith, Michael FitzGerald, Tanerau Latimer, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Andrew Horrell, Asaeli Tikoirotuma.
