KEY POINTS:
Blues captain Troy Flavell is in a two-week race to start the Super 14 series against neighbouring rivals the Chiefs.
Flavell damaged his foot in a trial match and there were concerns he might miss a few weeks of the new series. However, a scan revealed nothing more sinister than some bruising and the lock is optimistic he will recover to lead the Blues for a second campaign.
The Blues staff will be apprehensive about Flavell's fitness as the franchise is without All Black locks Ali Williams and Greg Rawlinson from last season and cover from utility Angus Macdonald. Star flanker Daniel Braid is also unlikely to appear in the series opener as he continues his recuperation from shoulder surgery.
The Blues met the Reds in Brisbane last night in a second trial while they have a final hitout next week against the Highlanders before their local derby tournament opener against the Chiefs at Eden Park.
While the Blues have some concerns, the Chiefs plan to welcome back first five-eighths Stephen Donald for their pre-season match tomorrow against the Hurricanes in Taupo.
In a filip for the Chiefs who are without the injured Tasesa Lavea, Liam Messam and Ben May, playmaker Donald confirmed he had recovered from an ankle injury which had threatened to disrupt his Super 14 confirmed.
