Charles Piutau of the Blues sits injured on the bench. Photo / Getty
Blues fullback Charles Piutau will miss the rest of the Super rugby season but should be available for the All Blacks test programme starting in July.
There were initial fears he might be out for the year after suffering an injury to his left knee against the Force on Saturday.
Further examination revealed a grade two tear of his medial ligament and the Blues medical staff think Piutau he will recover in about six weeks. The Blues are out of finals contention while the All Blacks opening test is against Samoa in Apia on July 8.
Blues captain Jerome Kaino has a compound dislocation of the ring finger on his left hand and will miss the next eight weeks of rugby.
Blues flanker Luke Braid suffered a repeat concussion against the Force and his return to rugby is uncertain while first five eighths Daniel Bowden will miss Friday's game against the Rebels in Melbourne because of a groin strain.
