Isa Nacewa's involvement in the rest of the Blues' campaign is in jeopardy.
The versatile fullback is flying home for some specialist advice after damaging his right knee in a freak clash during the Blues' 50-26 victory against the Cheetahs.
He is out of the Blues' final matchin South Africa against the unbeaten Sharks on Sunday and his future in the tournament is uncertain. Wing David Smith, who has yet to make a start for the Blues, will join the squad in Durban as a replacement.
The 25-year-old Nacewa was hurt when his knee hit the head of Cheetahs flanker Kabamba Floors, as a cluster of players chased a ball into the Blues' in-goal area.
Nacewa's knee buckled and he was assisted from the ground. Details on the extent of the injury were not available but team manager Ant Strachan announced that Nacewa would return home.
Since his Super 14 debut four years ago, Nacewa has been one of the most reliable and the most versatile back in the squad, covering every position except halfback in his career.
Last season he played first five-eighths but has reverted to his favourite fullback role this year because of the arrival of specialist pivot Nick Evans. The process of settling on a replacement fullback for Sunday's decisive game against the Sharks will throw up a number of ideas.
The new rules offer greater scope to carry the ball from fullback. That could tempt the selectors to switch Isaia Toeava to fullback - where he made his All Black debut - and use Anthony Tuitavake to centre.
Former All Black Ben Atiga and George Pisi were both tried as fullback last season with mixed success. Atiga has been the preferred cover this season from the bench and has been used as a substitute in the final quarter of several matches.
