Rugby: Moli eyes provincial contest

Liaki Moli. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Rookie Blues lock Liaki Moli will miss the inaugural Super Rugby season.

Moli has succumbed to a shoulder injury he suffered in last year's ITM Cup playoffs but hopes to return to this season's provincial competition after surgery.

"It is a shame for such a young player but he has been struggling a bit and felt some pain when he went into contact," said Blues coach Pat Lam. "This is a huge disappointment for Liaki and us but the priority is his future."

North Harbour's James King will join the squad as locking cover from the wider training group while the Blues wait for a clearance for former All Black lock Brad Mika to play again after knee surgery.

The Blues will start the bulk of their All Blacks in tonight's trial game in Kerikeri against the Hurricanes.

Isaia Toeava will begin at fullback with Jared Payne at centre while Chris Lowrey has beaten out others like Peter Saili and Mat Luamanu to start the match at No 8.

"We'll give most of our All Blacks a fair chunk of the first half but after that we will probably make significant changes," Lam said.

The Hurricanes have mixed up their starting combinations, choosing to leave some All Blacks like Conrad Smith, Cory Jane, Ma'a Nonu, Andrew Hore and Neemia Tialata out of the initial lineup.

Injured flanker Serge Lilo is close to a return after knee surgery while longterm casualties Karl Lowe and Piri Weepu are ahead of their recovery schedules.