The Blues' 29-14 defeat to the Chiefs at Waikato Stadium last night has been compounded by news wing Rudi Wulf and loose forward Jerome Kaino picked up injuries that will prevent them heading to South Africa with the rest of the squad today.
Wulf, one of the standout backs forthe Blues this season, suffered a grade two AC joint injury and is expected to be out of action for between three to four weeks.
Kaino has some instability in his left shoulder and has been ruled out of next week's game against the Bulls in Pretoria, but his injury will be monitored and he could fly to Africa later next week in preparation for the Stormers match on March 17 (NZT).
Peter Saili will join the squad travelling to the Republic to provide loose forward cover but no one will replace Wulf as the Blues leave a spot open for Kaino should he recover in time to face the Stormers.
Blues coach Pat Lam conceded it was a big blow to lose two players of Wulf and Kaino's calibre, but said now was the time for his side to show their resolve and bounce back.
"It's a big blow but that's just the nature of the game,'' Lam said. "Obviously our game [against the Chiefs] was disappointing, particularly in the first half, and it's a blow for us to lose Wulf and Kaino but every team is going to have to deal with injuries and we're no different.
"We've just got to trust the squad, get over there, re-group and bounce back. We know a lot of people are disappointed but we're the ones to sort this out.''
Prop Charlie Faumuina has recovered from a knee injury and will be fit to play the Bulls.
