Blues lose Pulu to injury

Blues skipper and senior halfback Augustine Pulu has been forced out of the two-game tour to South Africa.

The 28-year-old two-test All Blacks injured his foot in Friday night's 27-21 defeat to the Chiefs at Eden Park.

Pulu's defection will leave the vastly less experienced Sam Nock and Otago recruit Jonathan Ruru to share No 9 duties in crucial clashes against the Lions and Stormers.

There was some welcome good news for under-pressure coach Tana Umaga with All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams, who missed the Chiefs match with knee and head knocks, training fully and confirming his participation.

Umaga was also hopeful of taking young No 10 Stephen Perofeta (fractured hand), providing he came through an appearance for the Blues development team on Saturday.