The Blues will have a full contingent of fit players to choose from for Sunday morning's Super 14 semifinal against the Sharks after Anthony Boric arrived to replace Ali Williams.
Boric and Williams crossed paths briefly at Johannesburg Airport, with All Blacks lock Williams preparing to return to
New Zealand after being sent home by Blues management for "behaviour issues".
Williams' departure is a bombshell from which the Blues will need to recover if they are to threaten the table-topping Sharks at Durban's Absa Stadium.
Coach David Nucifora was to front media on the topic this morning but indications are he won't shed further light on Williams' indiscretions above what has already been revealed.
Injured second five-eighths Luke McAlister and Sam Tuitupou didn't make the trip, but otherwise manager Ant Strachan said the squad were all fit and available for selection after completing a light run.
Promising North Harbour lock/loose forward Boric is unlikely to start, with Nucifora sure to stick with captain Troy Flavell and Greg Rawlinson.
Who wears 12 will provide a fascinating conundrum for Nucifora, with Isa Nacewa, Isaia Toeava and Anthony Tuitavake all prospects.
Assistant coach Joe Schmidt said Tuitupou had made good progress recovering from his neck injury but it wasn't deemed a wise move to put him on after a long flight to Durban.
It may mark the end of Tuitupou's Super 14 career because he has signed with English club Worcester, which he will join after this year's Air New Zealand Cup.
The Blues will name their team tomorrow, as will the Crusaders, who have arrived for the other semifinal, against the Bulls at Pretoria on Sunday morning.
- NZPA
