Another loss for the Blues

It never rains, but it pours. That certainly rings true for the battling Blues, who have just lost another star player to injury.

Wing David Raikuna is the latest casualty to join an unprecedented number of Blues players on the sidelines, after X-rays confirmed the Fijian flyer has a fractured leg.

Raikuna took a direct blow to his left leg during the North versus South match in Dunedin on June 10.

Initially he thought it was just bruised, but X-rays revealed he has a left mid fibula fracture - ruling him out of action for between six to eight weeks.

The punches keep rolling for the last-placed Blues' coach Pat Lam, with 11 of his players now ruled out for the rest of the season through injury - as well as lock Filo Paulo who has been suspended.

It is perhaps an even bitterer pill to swallow when you consider the loss of Raikuna and Paulo came during a match which had no bearing on the Blues’ season.

Lam is sweating on the availability of George Moala, who is recovering well from a cut hand and could provide cover for Raikuna.

Out for the rest of the year: Anthony Boric, Jerome Kaino, Isaia Toeava, Brad Mika, Benson Stanley, Gareth Anscombe, David Raikuna, Ali Williams, Sean Polwart, Dan Pryor, Wayne Ngaluafe.

Suspended: Filo Paulo

Hopeful of a return: Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu, George Moala.