Blues still without Howlett and Braid

Winger Doug Howlett and openside flanker Daniel Braid have again been ruled out for the Blues, who face the Stormers in a Super 14 rugby match in Auckland on Saturday night.

However, coach David Nucifora today said the pair, who were coming back from hamstring injuries, were expected to be available for selection next week against the Western Force.

Howlett has been sidelined since suffering his injury in the Blues' loss to the Crusaders early last month. The problem ruled him out of New Zealand's Commonwealth Games sevens squad in Melbourne.

Nucifora is due to name his 22 tomorrow for the clash with the Stormers.

He said a decision on whether Luke McAlister would play would depend on how the five-eighth came through training today.

McAlister hurt his sternum in the Blues' 9-43 loss to the Waratahs two rounds ago in his comeback match from a fractured jaw.

Meanwhile, halfback Steve Devine's projected return to action remained indefinite. Devine has been suffering from the effects of a couple of head knocks from games earlier in the season.

"We can only judge on how his symptoms present each day," Nucifora said.

"Until they start clearing up, there's not a lot we can do about it."

- NZPA