The Chiefs will be without captain Mils Muliaina for the remainder of the Super 14 rugby competition unless they can make the playoffs.

The All Blacks fullback underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a broken thumb sustained in his side's 27-21 win over the Highlanders last Saturday.

That result lifted the Chiefs into sixth place, three points outside the top four, but even if they qualify for the playoffs there is no guarantee Muliaina will be available to help them.

A team spokesperson confirmed that Muliaina would be sidelined for six to eight weeks after having a pin inserted in the damaged thumb.

Loose forward Liam Messam will assume the captaincy for the remainder of the campaign, after fellow loosie Sione Lauaki was entrusted with the job for the opening three matches when Muliaina was rested.

Muliaina's setback means the Chiefs' injury woes are nearing a critical point as they prepare to play defending champions the Bulls in Hamilton on Friday.

Winger Sitiveni Sivivatu (knee), flanker Tanerau Latimer (knee) and prop Nathan White (back strain) may return for Friday's match against the Bulls in Hamilton but hooker Aled de Malmanche (thumb fracture), prop James McGougan (back) and lock Kevin O'Neill (Achilles tendon) will be sidelined for several weeks yet.

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