The Blues have been dealt mixed news on the injury front, after their victory over the Chiefs, with both Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Harry Plummer suffering shoulder injuries.
The pair have both been ruled out of Friday's Super Rugby Pacific round four match against the Highlanders at North Harbour Stadium and are facing contrasting periods on the sidelines.
After coach Leon MacDonald initially described both injuries as "serious", Tuivasa-Sheck has pulled up better than expected and will only face weeks on the sidelines - better than first feared - but Plummer hasn't been as lucky in his diagnosis, facing season-ending surgery.
"It's really disappointing for both those players, especially Harry... season ending, " says Blues assistant coach Craig McGrath. "He's had a couple of games, he's getting some games under his belt, it's really disappointing for him.
"[Roger] obviously is just starting to find his feet. People forget, yes, he's been a professional athlete for a long time, but this was his second game of rugby in the weekend.
"He is getting better each week, but obviously, the injury's going to slow that process down for him - as in his development.
"We'll know more in the next 4-5 days, but it's not as bad as initially thought and that's pleasing."
In their absence, Beauden Barrett will start his first match of the season in the Blues No.10 jersey, while utility Bryce Heem takes Tuivasa-Sheck's spot at second-five.
Join Newshub for live updates of the Blues v Highlanders Super Rugby Pacific clash from 7pm Friday.
