Rugby: Blues lose McAlister, Wulf

The Blues have lost key backs Luke McAlister and Rudi Wulf but gained All Blacks lock Anthony Boric and George Pisi as they eye the Cheetahs in a Super 14 rugby match this weekend.

McAlister was scheduled to return for the birth of his child but also picked up a hamstring injury in the 10-23 defeat to the Sharks in Durban.

Manager Ant Strachan said it was a grade one tear which typically means 7-10 days out of action, meaning he won't return for the Lions game in Johannesburg the following week.

Wulf also returned to Auckland for the birth of his child.

Boric was passed fit to join the side in South Africa after being sidelined with an ankle injury, while Pisi joined him on the flight as backline cover.

The Blues' semifinal aspirations were almost certainly ended by yesterday's defeat which left them eighth on the points table, nine points behind the fourth-placed Reds.

- NZPA