Rugby: Fullback joins list of injuries

The Blues' fullback resources will be stretched for the start of the Super 14 after Paul Williams became the latest casualty in the side's final trial match in Nelson.

Williams suffered a head knock during the 21-12 loss to the Crusaders and will need to pass a variety of tests to be cleared for the side's competition start against the Hurricanes on Friday at North Harbour Stadium.

His injury compounds the selection problems at fullback because utility George Pisi damaged his shoulder in an earlier trial and is unavailable.

Throw in Luke McAlister as a non-starter as he overcomes a few niggles and coach Pat Lam may be forced to switch Rudi Wulf to fullback to cover.

Utility threequarter Anthony Tuitavake is also on the injured list but coach Pat Lam is confident senior lock Anthony Boric will be ready for the start of this 15th season of Super rugby.

Boric did not play in Nelson as the staff looked to conserve locking resources in the wake of the season-ending injury to Ali Williams.

Captain Keven Mealamu played two thirds of the match at Nelson after his layoff from his chest injury, while international propping partner Tony Woodcock had one half of rugby.

The midfield pairing of Benson Stanley and Isaia Toeava played most of the match in the side's final dress-rehearsal before the starting XV is announced next week.