Rugby: Injured Boric ruled out of Blues

Anthony Boric. Photo / Getty Images.

Pat Lam's injury worries at the Blues have worsened with All Blacks lock Anthony Boric the latest to be ruled out.

Boric has been sidelined with a neck injury and won't be available to play the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday morning (NZT).

Rene Ranger had already been ruled out due to a two-week suspension for a dangerous tackle against the Bulls, with Isaia Toeava, Rudi Wulf and George Moala all back in New Zealand due to injuries. Michael Hobbs returned home before the Bulls match on compassionate leave.

David Raikuna replaces Ranger on the wing, with Filo Paulo to make his first appearance of the season at lock in place of Boric.

Wider training group members, Auckland midfielder Hadleigh Parkes and sevens expert Ben Lam, come on to the reserves bench.

After a fine performance last week, Gareth Anscombe continues his starting role at first five-eighths flanked by the experienced Piri Weepu and Ma'a Nonu.

Blues: Pauliasi Manu, Keven Mealamu, Charlie Faumuina, Filo Paulo, Ali Williams, Luke Braid, Daniel Braid, Chris Lowrey, Piri Weepu, Gareth Anscombe, Sherwin Stowers, Ma'a Nonu, Benson Stanley, David Raikuna, Lachie Munro. Reserves: Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, Brad Mika, Peter Saili, Alby Mathewson, Hadleigh Parkes, Ben Lam.