Rugby: Injury-hit franchise to rely on youngsters for last games

Up to 13 players could be unavailable for tomorrow night's match against the Hurricanes. Photo / Jason Dorday

The Blues will be forced to call on players in their development group next week due to a rising injury toll, which will be made worse by the impending loss of their three New Zealand Under-20s players.

Up to 13 players could be unavailable for tomorrow night's match against the Hurricanes at Eden Park due to injury. Another, All Blacks prop Charlie Faumuina, will be rested.

Next weekend's bye will give them breathing space, but there could be a host of relative unknowns involved in the following matches against the Crusaders and Highlanders.

Loose forwards Akira Ioane and Blake Gibson and wing Tevita Li will join the Under-20s on Sunday before their departure to the World Championships in Italy, with coach Sir John Kirwan saying he had the option of retaining them but wanted to make good on a promise he made at the start of the season.

Kirwan has also been forced to name his third captain of the season - hooker James Parsons - after injury ruled out Jerome Kaino and Steven Luatua.

One piece of good news is that fullback Charles Piutau is on track to make a fast return from his knee injury.

"We just need to make sure that he is 100 per cent but he is pretty excited about coming back for the second-to-last or last game, so that would be fantastic," Kirwan said.

After home wins over the Brumbies and Bulls, Kirwan wants another top scalp in the Hurricanes, who have lost only once this season. "They are one of the best counter-attacking sides in the competition," he said, "They can attack from all over the place so it's really important that we shut them down."

Blues casualty list
Jerome Kaino (finger) rest of season
Luke Braid (concussion) rest of season
Steven Luatua (shoulder) rest of season
Patrick Tuipulotu (groin/hip) rest of season
Pita Ahki (hamstring) 3 weeks
Dan Bowden (groin) 3 weeks
Charlie Faumuina (neck strain) 2 weeks
Bryn Hall (foot) 3 weeks
Charles Piutau (knee) 2-3 weeks
Tony Woodcock (shoulder) 2-3 weeks

Back from injury
Hayden Triggs (calf) this week?
Josh Bekhuis (concussion) this week
Hamish Northcott (hamstring) 1 week