Injuries and suspension have ravaged the Chiefs, who have been forced to fly four players to South Africa for their crucial final-round Super 14 rugby match against the Sharks.

Five players will fly home early this week as the Chiefs squad undergoes a major transformation ahead of the game they must win at Durban on Sunday morning (AEST) to have any chance of reaching the semi-finals.

Three props are among those leaving, including Ben May, who was on Monday suspended for three weeks for careless use of the foot during their 27-33 loss to the Lions in Johannesburg on Sunday.

The other props are Simms Davison, who didn't play at Johannesburg because of a back injury, and Simon Lemalu, who injured his knee.

Also leaving are reserve halfback David Bason and centre Richard Kahui, who has failed to shake off an ankle strain that ruled him out of the Lions game.

Travelling to Durban are All Blacks halfback Brendon Leonard, who has been recuperating from a knee injury, midfield back Murray Williams, prop Nathan White and hooker John Paeranga.

Key players Sione Lauaki, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Tom Willis are also in doubt after leaving the field early in Johannesburg.

No.8 Lauaki suffered a hamstring strain, winger Sivivatu an ankle sprain and hooker Willis a side strain.

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