Rugby: Kirwan remains positive despite injuries and board deadlock

Sir John Kirwan is on the brink of being reappointed as coach of the Blues. Photo / Getty

Blues coach John Kirwan says he is remaining positive despite an almost unprecedented injury toll to his squad and the knowledge the franchise's board remains split over his future.

Up to 13 players could be unavailable due to injury for the Blues match on Saturday against the Hurricanes at Eden Park. Another, All Blacks prop Charlie Faumuina, will be rested.

Kirwan has named his third captain of the season - hooker James Parsons - after injury ruled Jerome Kaino and Steven Luatua out, and he is also facing up to losing the impressive loose forwards Akira Ioane and Blake Gibson, and wing Tevita Li, to the New Zealand Under-20s team which will next week travel to Italy for the World Championships.

Meanwhile the board is split on retaining him for next year following a disastrous season in which the Blues failed to win an away game.

When asked if he had felt the strain this year, Kirwan said: "I wouldn't be human if it didn't. I'm a pretty emotional man at the best of times. Yes it's challenging at times but I think it comes with the job and you need to re-focus on your job and that's what I'm trying to do."

Asked if he had thought about doing something else, he said: "Never, I've come home to do a job and that job is to put this club back where it should be. I always knew there would be pretty challenging times. I've just got to stay positive. I love what I do, I love being out here with the boys. I've never given up and I'm not about to start now."

One piece of good news is that fullback Charles Piutau is on track to make a fast return from his knee injury and could play the final two matches of the season.

Casualty list
Jerome Kaino (finger) rest of season
Luke Braid (concussion) rest of season
Steven Luatua (shoulder) rest of season
Patrick Tuipulotu (groin/hip) rest of season
Pita Ahki (hamstring) 3 weeks
Dan Bowden (groin) 3 weeks
Charlie Faumuina (neck strain) 2 weeks
Bryn Hall (foot) 3 weeks
Charles Piutau (knee) 2-3 weeks
Tony Woodcock (shoulder) 2-3 weeks

Back from injury
Hayden Triggs (calf) this week?
Josh Bekhuis (concussion) this week
Hamish Northcott (hamstring) 1 week

Blues team to play the Hurricanes at Eden Park on Saturday, kick-off 7.35pm is: Lolagi Visinia, Ben Lam, Francis Saili, George Moala, Melani Nanai, Ihaia West, Jamison Gibson-Park, Akira Ioane, Blake Gibson, Brendon O'Connor, Josh Bekhuis, Culum Retallick, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, James Parsons (c), Sam Prattley. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Angus Ta'avao, Nick Mayhew, Will Lloyd/Hayden Triggs, Joe Edwards, Jimmy Cowan, Simon Hickey, Matt Vaega.