10 Jul 2014

Blues finals hopes hit by injuries

7:24 am on 10 July 2014

The Blues' mission improbable against reigning Super Rugby champions the Chiefs has got a lot tougher, after All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock and captain Luke Braid were both ruled out of Friday's home match with shoulder injuries.

Tony Woodcock of the Blues gets some medical attention during their Super rugby match vs the Crusaders in Christchurch in July.

Tony Woodcock of the Blues gets some medical attention during their Super rugby match vs the Crusaders in Christchurch in July. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Braid's booked in for surgery today, and is set to spend six months out of action.

To have any chance of reaching the playoffs, the Blues must win by more than 38 points and deny the visitors a bonus point at Eden Park, while the Chiefs just need a victory to qualify for the finals.

The Blues coach Sir John Kirwan believes they can achieve the impossible.

Brendon O'Connor comes in for Luke Braid at openside, while Sam Prattley replaces Woodcock at loosehead.