Blues' backline options limited

From Wellington club rugby, straight into the Blues playing squad - all in a few days work for young rugby player Tamati Ellison.

Ellison has been drafted into the Blues squad in South Africa. He will at least be on the bench for this weekend's match against the Bulls, maybe even starting at second five-eighths.

Blues coach Peter Sloane said their options have been limited, trying to find cover for both first and second five with Carlos Spencer, Tasesa Lavea, Ben Atiga and Sam Tuitupou all injured.

Sloane says Ellison was their best available option, considering they had no backs left in their enlarged training squad.

Utility back Rudi Wulf has also flown to South Africa, with Lavea and Atiga returning home with knee and shoulder injuries respectively.

Sloane says Luke McAlister will slot into first five for the Bulls game with Mils Muliaina at centre and Isa Nacewa at fullback, but second five is anyone's guess at this stage.

Adding to the Blues backline injury woes, Rua Tipoki was suspended for three weeks by a South African judiciary, after he was found guilty of striking Jean de Villiers in the team's win over the Stormers.

- NEWSTALK ZB