Blues coach Tana Umaga has lost midfielder Rene Ranger and now has to prepare for the absence of wing Rieko Ioane, the scorer of the crucial second‑half try against the Sharks, who will shortly return to the New Zealand sevens team.
Ioane, the 19‑year‑old who has rapidly become one of the Blues' best attacking weapons this season, will play his final game for Umaga's team against the Rebels at Eden Park this week.
He, and brother Akira, will then link with Gordon Tietjens' squad for the remaining two World Series sevens events of the year ‑ in Paris and London before preparing for the Rio Olympics.
Rieko has played four matches for the Blues in his debut Super Rugby season, quickly impressing Umaga with his elusiveness and pace.
The Blues will face the Rebels at 7.35pm Saturday.
Source : nzherald
