Macdonald injury tests Blues selection

A hamstring injury for loose forward Angus Macdonald has added further uncertainty about the Blues side preparing for their next Super 14 duel with the Highlanders.

After a 37-19 collapse against the Hurricanes to open the competition, there was plenty of material for new Blues coach David Nucifora and his staff to evaluate.

They had to ask, if they made their opening selection based on sound judgment, should they persevere with those who started at Eden Park or risk a selection shakeup?

Those thoughts will occupy the selectors for several more days as they analyse players and check the medicals before they settle on the team for Friday's second round at Carisbrook.

"I don't think there is any need for panic," Nucifora said. "No one likes losing but in taking a bit of a physical hit I think we will get something out of this.

"The Highlanders will also have learnt a lot from their start and they have got a lot of steel in the forwards, a smart player in Nick Evans, while Chris Smylie is a halfback who made things happen when he came on, too."

Blues halfback Steve Devine has recovered from his head knock after being slammed awkwardly into the Eden Park turf, but Macdonald is struggling with a leg strain.

With another loose forward, Troy Flavell, in Japan and unlikely to return for several weeks, Macdonald's injury has increased the pressure on the Blues' other resources.

Privately, the Blues were annoyed that, on their scrum feeds, referee Bryce Lawrence let the Hurricanes pull back and wheel the scrum.

They said it overrode Sanzar initiatives and allowed Piri Weepu too much leeway to challenge John Senio at the base of the Blues scrum.

The Blues' resilience will be tested further on Friday when they face an even more experienced Highlanders pack, who will pressure inexperienced referee Chris Pollock.