The Blues have been dealt yet another blow at first five-eighths after Simon Hickey was injured playing for the New Zealand Under 20s.
The talented pivot has been ruled out of the IRB Junior World Championship and is also expected to miss much of the remainder of the Super Rugby season.
The 20-year-old Hickey came off in the second half of New Zealand's final pool match against Scotland after sustaining a high ankle sprain which will see him sidelined for between four to six weeks.
Hickey is the fourth first-five to become unavailable for the Blues following season ending injuries to Baden Kerr and Chris Noakes as well as the departure of Benji Marshall.
It leaves the Hawke's Bay pivot Ihaia West as the number one choice after only two appearances, while North Harbour's Matt McGahan has been called into the squad.
