All Black blows for Blues

 

The Blues said Luatua dislocated his shoulder in a rare win over the Bulls last Friday, while Tuipulotu has a long-term hip injury that has deteriorated.

 

Jerome Kaino and Luke Braid are already out for the season, while the Blues said the sick list for this Saturday's match against the Hurricanes included no fewer than 13 players.

 

Among them is All Black prop Tony Woodcock, who has been sidelined for a week after injuring his shoulder against the Bulls.

 

Others not considered for this week’s match include Pita Ahki (hamstring), Dan Bowden (groin) and Bryn Hall (foot).

 

There is better news for All Black Charles Piutau who has made an excellent recovery to date on his knee injury and may be available before the end of the Super Rugby season.

 

Meanwhile the Blues are hopeful that injuries to Hamish Northcott (hamstring), Josh Bekhuis (concussion) and Hayden Triggs (calf) will have improved sufficiently to be considered for selection this week.

 

The three-time championship winning Blues, once regarded as Super Rugby pacesetters, have won only three of 13 matches this season and are 13th on the ladder.

 

With their play-off hopes already over, coach John Kirwan is facing calls for his head.

 

Soruce: AFP