Key players Mils Muliaina and Sione Lauaki have been injured and ruled out of tomorrow's Super 14 rugby match against the Waratahs in Sydney.

While No 8 Lauaki is sidelined with a hamstring injury strained in last week's opening loss to Crusaders in Christchurch, captain Muliaina suffered a far less conventional twinge.

The veteran All Blacks fullback strained his back yesterday morning when standing up from his seat in a video session.

Flanker Liam Messam will captain the side in Muliaina's absence while former Highlander Mike Delany comes in at fullback for the Chiefs debut.

The Chiefs/Waratahs match tomorrow will kickoff at 8:40pm.