All Black lock Ali Williams is in doubt for the international season, after the veteran second row forward rejoined the injury ranks - following the Blues' 27-45 loss in their Super 14 encounter in Wellington on Friday.

Williams, who turned 28 this week, was forced off after 16 minutes in his side's season-defining defeat.

It was only his second match back, after suffering an earlier Achilles tendon injury.

He was left grimacing as medical staff prodded around his left ankle and Achilles.

And while the full extent of the injury won't be know till after the weekend, it seemed serious enough to cast doubt over his availability for the remainder of the Super 14 season and the All Blacks' mid-year internationals next month.

Williams had missed a host of matches earlier in the season - first through a back injury that delayed his return to the Blues, after [playing for the Crusaders last year, and then the Achilles injury.

Williams had thickening of the tendon and small micro tears in the Achilles - an injury he now seems to have aggravated.

Williams is not the Blues' only injury concern - having started the match without a host of top players like Chris Lowrey (medial ligament damage), Justin Collins (concussion), Josh Blackie (knee), Anthony Boric (toe injury) and Paul Williams (head knock).

The Blues' semifinal aspirations lie in tatters following the defeat at the hands of the Hurricanes.

Pat Lam's men once again salvaged a vital bonus point of their own, but it may be too little too late for the Blues who no longer hold their destiny in their own hands and will be relying on other results if they are to have a chance of making the semifinals.

365

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