Chiefs lose prop Hohneck to injury

Chiefs prop Josh Hohneck, who came off the bench to grab a late try in the 29-25 loss to the Highlanders, is out for up to eight weeks with a broken thumb.

The Chiefs' Super Rugby defeat to the Highlanders has been compounded by injury to prop Josh Hohneck.

Hohneck, who came off the bench to score a late try and set up a nail-biting finish in Dunedin on Friday night, ended the 29-25 loss with a broken thumb.

He is expected to be sidelined for eight weeks, which means he will miss the rest of the competition even if the defending champions make the play-offs.

After three successive defeats, the Chiefs are down in eighth spot and face an uphill battle to maintain their hopes of a third title in a row.