The patched-up Chiefs are mentally braced to play for nothing against the Sharks in the final Super 14 rugby match before the playoffs.

By the time the teams meet at Durban on Sunday morning (AEST), the seventh-placed Chiefs may well have had their semi-final hopes shattered, depending on other results this weekend.

Coach Ian Foster, who has had at least five changes forced on his ailing team because of injury or suspension, said it was optional for players and management to watch the earlier games.

The ideal scenario was to have a semi-final berth at stake against the fifth-placed Sharks but a strong reality is that only the South African side will still have that target within their sights by kickoff.

"We've agreed as a group what this game means to us, with or without other results going our way," Foster said.

"You've got to have your own internal motivations. Obviously we'd love to be playing for a semi-final position but if that's not the case, there are other things to play for."

The Chiefs left New Zealand three weeks ago tied for third but muddling losses to struggling opposition - the Western Force in Perth and Lions in Johannesburg - has squashed much of the confidence that saw them march to a franchise-record five straight wins.

On top of that, injury has invaded the squad, with five players returning home this week and four coming over as replacements.

Two players are bracketed, with All Blacks Sitiveni Sivivatu and Sione Lauaki still in doubt.

Sivivatu has an ankle injury and has been bracketed with Viliame Waqaseduadua while Lauaki is trying to shake off a hamstring injury so is bracketed with both Hayden Hopgood and Faifili Levave.

Foster said the backup players were both fit and would select one of them closer to kickoff if needed.

Lock and long-time captain Jono Gibbes will make his first start for nearly three months although Foster questioned the veteran's match-fitness after finally shaking off a severe hamstring strain.

Of equal concern is whether utility front rower Aled de Malmanche can handle the switch from hooker to loosehead prop, with his bench back-up comprising midweek call-ups Nathan White and John Paeranga.

All Blacks halfback Brendon Leonard has settled well since arriving from South Africa earlier this week and will start while captain Mils Muliaina shifts from fullback to centre, making way for Sosene Anesi at the back.

Muliaina said his team had been suffering physically and mentally so wasn't surprised to have undergone a light training schedule.

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