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Blues second-five eighth Benson Stanley has flown home, thinning their player ranks further ahead of two Super 14 rugby matches in South Africa.
Scans revealed Stanley tore his hamstring during the 25-19 defeat of the Western Force in Perth on Friday and will sideline him for at least two weeks.
He joins winger Rudi Wulf, halfback Taniela Moa and locking brothers Ali and Jay Williams in New Zealand, along with flanker Jerome Kaino and winger Joe Rokocoko, who are all at home expecting the birth of their first children.
The Blues' policy is that after the babies are born, the players will join the squad within 48 hours.
No decision has been made whether any further players will be called in ahead of matches against the Bulls in Pretoria on Sunday morning (NZT) and the Stormers in Cape Town a week later.
Already hooker Francis Smith and halfback Grayson Hart have flown to South Africa as cover for specialist positions.
Blues captain and hooker Keven Mealamu is in doubt for the Bulls match, recovering from a calf injury.
Meanwhile, the Highlanders are hopeful both captain Jimmy Cowan and Jamie Mackintosh will be fit for Friday's match against the Hurricanes in Wellington.
Both Southland All Blacks limped off in their 31-33 loss to the ACT Brumbies in Dunedin on Friday but have been cleared of serious injury.
Halfback Cowan injured his elbow and needs swelling to subside before a firm diagnosis can be made while Mackintosh has a strained knee.
Veteran Crusaders fullback Leon MacDonald looks unlikely for their match against the Brumbies in Canberra this weekend after suffering a shoulder knock in the 19-13 win over the Chiefs in Christchurch on Saturday.
His replacement could be first five-eighth Stephen Brett, who filled in there late in the Chiefs win while Colin Slade impressed in the No 10 jersey.
Lock Brad Thorn also has a heel niggle and will be assessed.
The Chiefs and Hurricanes appear to have emerged unscathed from round one.
- NZPA
