Blues lock Ali Williams will be sidelined with injury for at least a month, leaving him in serious doubt for the All Blacks' three rugby tests in June.
Medical staff yesterday diagnosed Williams as having suffered micro-tears in his Achilles tendon early in Friday's 45-27 loss to the Hurricanes. The28-year-old, who has started in only five games this season, has been told the injury could keep him out of action for four to six weeks.
It leaves him a doubtful starter for the All Blacks' first test of the year, against France at Dunedin on June 13. They play France in Wellington a week later, followed by Italy at Christchurch on June 27.
The Blues have also lost lock Anthony Boric for the season with a toe injury.
It will leave the All Black selectors running their eyes over the next tier of locks.
Crusaders veteran Brad Thorn is a probable selection while Hurricanes pair Jason Eaton and Jeremy Thrush, Chiefs workhorse Craig Clarke and athletic Crusader Isaac Ross will come into the picture.
The Blues face the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday and may have flanker Justin Collins and prop John Afoa available again, although second five-eighths Michael Hobbs and flanker Josh Blackie are unlikely to play.
The news is more positive for most of the other New Zealand sides.
The Chiefs and Hurricanes are set to welcome back key players for their table-topping match in Hamilton on Saturday.
Star Chiefs wingers Sitiveni Sivivatu and Lelia Masaga should line up while Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper may have All Blacks Hosea Gear and Cory Jane back at his disposal out wide, along with flanker Karl Lowe.
The Crusaders should have captain Richie McCaw back for Friday's match at home to the Queensland Reds but will be without Colin Slade.
The Highlanders are boosted by the arrival of prop Chris King for Saturday morning's (NZ time) clash with the Lions in Johannesburg.
