Just more headaches for Blues and Umaga
According to the New Zealand Herald, Moala sustained an arm injury, while loose forward Kaino suffered a hamstring strain during the side's 19-21 loss to the Chiefs in Hamilton last weekend.
The injuries are major setbacks for the side who travel to Tokyo with a definite sense of purpose, a single-minded focus that they have a job to do and nothing other than a victory will be acceptable against a team one place below them on the bottom of the table.
The last time the two sides met, the Blues suffered defeat in scorching hot weather conditions at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium.
However, this weekend the temperatures will be far cooler, and the key for the Blues will be to combine a red-hot intensity with cold decision-making – something they have been able to do just once in six matches this season.
Lock Patrick Tuipulotu, about to play his 50th game for the Blues, sat out last year's defeat with injury believes complacency is the reason behind their dismal performance. The lock also explained that this time the side head to Tokyo more focused on the job.
"[If we want to win] we should not to get complacent," Tuipulotu told New Zealand Herald.
"Last year, judging by the feeling of the boys, we didn't really prepare well. I don't think we went over there for the right reasons, whereas this time it's a lot simpler – we're going there to do one job and the focus is on that."
As for his 50th, it will be a lot more special if he can celebrate a victory. "It's coming," he said. "It's hard to stand here and say something like that after the last couple of years we've had, but it's something we're working on and something to look forward to.
"I love this club and even though we're going through tough times I don't think I'd want to do it anywhere else."
Source: @nzherald
