Rieko Ioane set for spell on the sidelines

Blues’ star wing Rieko Ioane will miss the next few weeks after suffering a fractured hand in the opening round of Super Rugby at the weekend.

The New Zealand international sustained the injury in the 37-29 defeat to the Chiefs on Friday and will certainly be absent for their clash against the Waratahs on Saturday.

Head coach Leon MacDonald will also be without prop Alex Hodgman, who has a calf tear, while hooker Ray Niuia suffered a season-ending injury in their Round One clash.

However, there is some good news for the Auckland-based franchise with James Parsons potentially available for his season debut this week if selected.

Fly-half Otere Black is also close to full fitness after a rib problem in pre-season, while fellow half-back Finlay Christie is nearing a return from a neck injury.

Finally, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti and Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa will be available next month, as will lock James Tucker, who is nursing a knee injury.