The Chiefs coach Dave Rennie's reign is off to a tough start - as well as being upset 23-19 by the visiting Highlanders in Hamilton, his side also suffered five serious injuries.
Halfback Brendon Leonard's hamstring will keep him out for up to 10 weeks while Ben Afeaki broke his right forearm and will be missing for about three months.
Another frontline prop Toby Smith is gone for up to six weeks with a pulled calf and the Chiefs will have to do without wing Lelia Masaga and No.8 Alex Bradley for at least three weeks with knee and ankle injuries.
