Blues pay dear price for victorious start
INJURY UPDATE: The early frontrunners, the Blues, have paid a dear price for their victorious start to Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Following their impressive 30-20 win over the Hurricanes in Auckland this past Sunday, they face a challenging trip to Hamilton to face the Chiefs in Round Two.
And there will not be many welcoming faces at the Waikato Stadium, as the Chiefs went down 27-28 to the Highlanders – in heartbreaking fashion to a late Bryn Gatland drop-goal in Dunedin.
The Chiefs also have an extra day – as they played on Saturday and the Blues have just a five-day week to prepare.
Tuesday’s training session revealed the troubling news that loose forwards Tom Robinson and Blake Gibson are doubtful for the 110-kilometre trip across the Bombay Hills.
Robinson, a utility forward that featured on the blindside flank against Hurricanes, is awaiting the result of scans – following the knee injury sustained at Eden Park this past weekend.
Gibson, who started in the No.7 jersey, struggled with a hamstring strain in the first half.
If would mean the Blues could feature an entirely new loose forward combination in Hamilton.
All Blacks flank Dalton Papalii looks the most likely replacement for Gibson, as he impressed when he came on for Gibson in Auckland.
Akira Ioane, who did not make the squad last week, looks set to get his chance to challenge for a regular spot.
American international Tony Lamborn is also an option.
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