Rugby: Casualty list grows for Blues

The burly frame of prop Tony Woodcock was chugging around the field yesterday. Photo / Brett Phibbs

It was a bit like a who's who of New Zealand rugby on the perimeter of the Blues' Carrington Road training ground yesterday.

All Blacks locks Ali Williams and Anthony Boric and openside Josh Blackie pedaled vigorously on stationary bikes; veteran flanker Justin Collins and first five-eighths Tasesa Lavea trotted up and down the touchline; fullback Paul Williams spent 20 minutes stretching his back; and John Afoa sat on a large chilli bin, his right ankle encased in a moon-boot.

But just beyond the ever-growing throng of crocked senior players, there was one particularly welcome sight - the burly frame of prop Tony Woodcock chugging around the field.

Woodcock has been laid low by an inner-ear infection since the round-four defeat by the Sharks, with both his balance and vision falling victim to the ailment.

The Blues haven't put a timeframe on his return but the loss of Afoa - whose ankle sprain will likely rule him out for several weeks - has certainly dented their ability to cope without the All Blacks loosehead.

"[Woodcock] is running out there, but I'm not sure if he can see too much," coach Pat Lam said. "He is giving it a try and is determined to play. But we will be guided by the medics."

With a Highlanders team built around gargantuan props Jamie Mackintosh, Clint Newland and Chris King due to hit Eden Park on Friday, Lam will be hoping the medical advice on Woodcock is positive.

The coach has, however, become accustomed to doing without many of his best players.

"We haven't been able to pick the strongest team for the whole year. There is always someone injured so you get used to it.

"It will be a big challenge if we lose both of our All Black props. But if they aren't there then you back Charlie [Faumuina] and back Tevita [Mailau] and you get on with it."

The Blues pack was dominant in Friday's 36-12 victory.

Afoa will be joined on the sidelines by back-up halfback Chris Smylie, who scored a try and set up another against the Lions but suffered a hamstring tear that will probably end his campaign.

First-choice halfback Taniela Moa was back training yesterday, but his availability will be determined by an NZRU hearing into his off-field conduct later this week.

North Harbour's Matt France has been drafted into the squad as cover.

Moa had apologised to his teammates over the alleged bottle throwing incident that saw him stood down for Friday's victory over the Lions, Lam said.

"It's something that he regrets and he wants to move on. I think he'll show that if he gets the opportunity to get on the field. Hopefully he'll be available but we will be guided by the New Zealand Rugby Union."

The rest of the injury news is less problematic. Blackie was sitting out training as a precaution after an old knee injury flared up on Friday night and Boric was doing likewise after suffering cramp and a sore elbow late in the Lions match.

Lavea is the other significant concern, but Lam was "hopeful" he would be available after suffering a minor hamstring strain.