KEY POINTS:
The Blues should reclaim the versatile talents of injured fullback Isa Nacewa for the eagerly-anticipated 11th round battle against the Crusaders.
Coach David Nucifora thought his return would just about coincide with the team's bye before they travelled to Christchurch a week later to play the Crusaders on April 25.
Nacewa damaged his right knee against the Cheetahs and there were initial fears that the rest of his Super 14 season was in jeopardy. He flew home from South Africa for specialist advice and while the injury was serious, Nacewa was told he would be back before the end of the series.
"He has a grade-three medial ligament strain," coach David Nucifora revealed yesterday.
"He has been cleared of any anterior cruciate damage which would have been his season finished. It is still bad, but we expect to have him back in six to eight weeks."
Meanwhile, provincial player of the year Daniel Braid was expected to be cleared to start playing again this weekend after an extended recuperation from shoulder surgery.
Even if Braid is ready, Nucifora said he might select him for a development squad match rather than rush him straight back into action against the Force at Albany.
