Standout back Rudi Wulf and All Blacks loose forward Jerome Kaino will miss the Blues' two-match Super Rugby trip to South Africa.
The pair were injured in Friday's 29-14 loss to the Chiefs in Hamilton. Wulf suffered a grade two AC joint shoulder injury and is expected to be out of action for up to four weeks.
Kaino has some instability in his left shoulder and has been ruled out of next week's clash against the Bulls in Pretoria.
However, his injury will be monitored and he could fly to South Africa later next week in preparation for the Stormers match in Cape Town on March 17.
Blues coach Pat Lam conceded it was a big blow to lose two players of Wulf and Kaino's calibre, but said his side had the resolve to bounce back.
"It's a big blow but that's just the nature of the game," Lam said.
"Obviously our game was disappointing, particularly in the first half and it's a blow for us to lose Wulf and Kaino, but every team is going to have to deal with injuries and we're no different.
"We've just got to trust the squad, get over there, re-group and bounce back. We know a lot of people are disappointed but we're the ones to sort this out."
Peter Saili will join the squad travelling to South Africa as loose forward cover but no one will replace Wulf, as the Blues leave a spot open for Kaino should he recover in time to face the Stormers.
Charlie Faumuina has recovered from a knee injury and will be fit to play the Bulls.
AAP
Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, new-zealand First posted March 03, 2012 14:38:53