The Blues first five Luke McAlister is in major doubt for the Blues opening match of the Super Rugby competition against the Crusaders in Auckland next Saturday, after being knocked out early in his sides 12-all pre-season draw with the Chiefs in Pukekohe.
In the last hit out before the Super Rugby season begins, there was nothing to separate the two teams, who both scored two tries apiece.
Ten minutes into the game McAlister, playing first-five, had to be taken off with a nasty concussion but refused the help of a stretcher and walked off the park with assistance.
The Blues coach Pat Lam says the won't know until later today just how serious McAlister's injury is, but it appears unlikely he'll be available for the Crusaders clash next weekend.
Meanwhile the Crusaders thrashed the Highlanders 40-21 in their final pre-season hitout in Oamaru, but it wasn't all good news for Todd Blackadder's men with former All Black winger Zac Guildford limping off the field with a hamstring injury.
