squad left for the UK on 2 November 2006, Lavea was not part of the squad. He withdrew from the team because Ian Foster, head coach of the Chiefs, requested for him to stay in New Zealand for pre-season training. Harbour fly-half Tusi Pisi was called in as Lavea's replacement in the touring squad, but Pisi's inclusion is understood not to have disqualified him for future All Blacks selection. 2007 Rugby season Air New Zealand Cup Lavea's present contract with Auckland will end on 31 October 2007. He is currently playing for Auckland in the 2007 Air NZ Cup, at the conclusion of which he will begin a new 2-year contract with Counties Manukau. Since that places him in the Chiefs catchment area, he is directly eligible to play for them in the 2008 Super 14. In early July 2007, Lavea travelled to Thailand for Auckland's pre-season training camp. However, due to an untimely hip flexor injury, he did not play until Week 9 of the 2007 Air NZ Cup season. Week 9 Lavea played first five in Auckland's match against Otago on Friday 21 September 2007. Super 14 During the selection process for New Zealand's 2007 Super 14 teams, the Blues made Lavea available in the player draft, along with Auckland fullback Brent Ward and Harbour wing Viliame Waqaseduadua. The neighbouring Chiefs were glad to pick up Lavea for the coming season. Chiefs head coach Ian Foster indicated the possibility of developing Lavea and Stephen Donald's roles in the team to create a 10/12 combination. Lavea was also enthusiastic about playing for a new team. Pre-season The Chiefs won 31–17 against the Hurricanes on Thursday 18 January 2007. Lavea was not initially named for this match because of a minor calf strain, but made a quick recovery and saw some game time in the second half. Week 1 The first match of the Chiefs' 2007 Super 14 campaign was a home game against the Brumbies (Saturday 3 February 2007). Starting on the bench at No.21, Lavea substituted on at second five-eighths for Tane Tu'ipulotu in the final quarter. Unfortunately, Lavea also injured his left knee in his Chiefs debut. MRI revealed a strained medial collateral ligament that was thought would keep him sidelined for at least six weeks. Week 7 Lavea recovered from the knee injury after five weeks and resumed full contact training with the team during the