Latimer battling through the pain

Editor

Chiefs flanker Tanerau Latimer has been fighting his way through a series of niggles in order to make Saturday's Super Rugby Final.

Chiefs flanker Tanerau Latimer has been fighting his way through a series of niggles in order to make Saturday's Super Rugby Final.

Latimer has continued to win his battle with young All Black openside Sam Cane in recent weeks, despite his fitness being a serious doubt before last weekend's 20-19 semi-final victory over the Crusaders.

Heavy bruising on his calf was a concern throughout last week's semi-final and Latimer has missed out on training sessions this week ahead of the Chiefs' second successive final.

A ferociously hard worker at the breakdown, Chiefs co-captain Craig Clarke has praised Latimer's impact on the team when speaking this week, as he looks to head off the threat of Cane once more for the number seven jersey.

“He's a real catalyst for us,” said Clarke to NZ Newswire.

“He hadn't trained all week, he's got a massive big bruise down his leg but he gutsed it out. He epitomises what Chiefs mana is all about.

“And the battle he has with Sam to start each week is something awesome.”