Rugby: Boric ruled out of South African tour

Blues lock Anthony Boric has been replaced by Andrew van der Heijden. Photo / Getty Images

Injured All Blacks lock Anthony Boric remained at home when the Blues flew to South African for a three-match Super 14 rugby tour.

Boric was ruled out due to an ankle injury that sidelined him from the Blues' 38-17 win over the Force on Saturday which kept their slim playoff hopes alive.

He was replaced in the 26-man travelling squad by Andrew van der Heijden.

The seventh-placed Blues play the Sharks in Durban on Sunday (NZT), followed by the Cheetahs and Lions, before returning home to host the Chiefs in the final round.

Blues squad
Anthony Tuitavake, Paul Williams, Isaia Toeava, Rudi Wulf, Rene Ranger, Benson Stanley, Luke McAlister, Joe Rokocoko, Dan Kirkpatrick, Stephen Brett, Chris Smylie, Alby Mathewson, Viliami Ma'afu, Tom Chamberlain, Serge Lilo, Peter Saili, Jerome Kaino, Andrew van der Heijden, Kurtis Haiu, Filo Paulo, Tom McCartney, Keven Mealamu, Charlie Faumuina, Tevita Mailau, John Afoa, Tony Woodcock.

- NZPA