Jerome Kaino is missing from the Blues side to play the Highlanders this Friday. Photo: Getty ImagesJerome Kaino has been ruled out of the Blues' opening Super Rugby match in Dunedin on Friday night. Kaino (ankle) joins first-choice openside Blake Gibson (shoulder) on the sideline, opening the door for North Harbour duo Glenn Preston and Murphy Taramai to start in the loose forwards against the Highlanders. Gatland will, as expected, take control of the backline in his fifth match for the Blues with Stephen Perofeta (hand) and Otere Black (ACL) unavailable. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Sione Havili/Antonio Kiri Kiri, 21.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 20, 2018 23:15 UTC