Blues flanker Dalton Papali'i has fractured his hand and is expected to miss the first six rounds of the Super Rugby season.
The Auckland openside specialist suffered the injury during Thursday's trial match loss to the Hurricanes.
Papali'i will join another 20‑year‑old who was expected to play a starting role ‑ first five‑eighth Stephen Perofeta ‑ on the sideline for the opening rounds of the campaign. Both suffered similar damage to a bone in their hand.
Meanwhile, speculation continues to mount that 34‑year‑old Veteran All Blacks blindside flanker Jerome Kaino is poised to announce his departure for French club rugby.
The 81‑Test veteran was first linked with a move in December.
The New Zealand Herald reported that Kaino ‑ who has slipped down the test pecking order has decided to move offshore at the end of the Super Rugby season, although he is yet to enter negotiations.
The Blues will face the Highlanders at 6.35pm Friday while the Reds will take on the Rebels at 8.45pm.
On Saturday, the Waratahs will host the Stormers at 8.45pm Saturday, 4.15pmthe Sunwolves take on the Brumbies, then at 6.35pm the defending champions, the Crusaders play the Chiefs.
On Sunday, the Lions play the Jaguares at 1.05am while the Bulls take on the Hurricanes at 3.15am.
Source: TVNZ
