The injury‑ravaged Blues are again searching for replacements ahead of their Super Rugby clash against the Highlanders in Auckland on Friday night.
Fullback Michael Collins and lock Josh Goodhue are the latest to join a lengthy casualty list that now numbers 18 players, six of whom are out for the season.
Collins and Goodhue were injured in the 24‑10 win over the Sunwolves in Tokyo, with Collins out for around five weeks and Goodhue sidelined for up to a month.
Coach Tana Umaga says it seems all New Zealand teams are suffering a high injury rate and the Blues are no different.
Umaga says it is testing their depth and resources but at the same time, it is giving opportunities to others.
The Blues, who sit bottom of the New Zealand conference, is expected to name their side today.
The Blues will face the Highlanders at 7.35pm Friday while the Waratahs will meet the Lions at 9.45pm.
On Saturday, the Crusaders take on the Sunwolves at 7.35pm while the Reds will take on the Chiefs at 9.45pm. On Sunday, the Bulls meet the Rebels at 1.05am, the Sharks face the Stormers at 3.15am, and the Brumbies will take on the Jaguares at 6.05pm.
[Source:stuff.co]
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