The Blues have been dealt yet another blow at first five-eighths after Simon Hickey was injured playing for the New Zealand Under 20s on Tuesday.

Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan has named a side featuring an intriguing mix of experience and youthful enthusiasm for tomorrow’s clash with the NZ Barbarians at Toll Stadium, Whangarei (kick-off 6.30pm).

With less than two weeks to go until the inaugural World Cup 10s kick-off in Singapore, the draw was today unveiled.

Blues players Simon Hickey and Tevita Li are two of just three players to retain their starting spots for the New Zealand Under 20’s final pool match of the 2014 IRB Junior World Championship against Scotland tonight.

After a week away last week, the Blues (minus their All Blacks and New Zealand Under 20 representatives) are back at training this week to prepare for a match against the NZ Barbarians in Whangarei on Friday (kick-off 6.30pm)

Two of the Blues’ most exciting young stars will line up for the New Zealand Under 20 team to face South Africa tonight in the 2014 IRB Junior World Championship at QBE Stadium tonight.

Impressive young Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu is poised to make his All Blacks debut after being named on the bench for Saturday’s opening Test of the Steinlager Series against England at Eden Park.

The Blues may be down but head coach Sir John Kirwan insists they’re not out just yet as they still cling onto hopes of making the playoffs.

Would you like to train like The Blues? Buy any nib health insurance product in the month of June and you’ll go in the draw to win a 1 hour training session with the Blues Head Trainer Wally Rifle!

Promising Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu has been included in the All Blacks squad for the three Steinlager Series Tests against England.

The Blues’ season is still alive after they defeated the Hurricanes 37-24 at Eden Park on Saturday night.

Livewire first five-eighths Ihaia West will make his first Super Rugby start when the Blues take on the Hurricanes at Eden Park this Saturday.