Blues suffer Blair injury setback

Ben Blair will miss Cardiff Blues' final Heineken Cup pool games after suffering a broken bone in a hand.

The former New Zealand full-back broke the fourth metacarpal bone in his right hand during the Blues' New Year's Eve Magners League defeat to the Ospreys.

The Blues have confirmed Blair will be sidelined for up to four weeks after his hand was put in a cast and the hand is recovering with the aid of a splint.

Blair was replaced in the 17th minute after colliding with Sonny Parker.

Pool Six leaders the Blues travel to Gloucester in Europe on 18 January before hosting Calvisano on 23 January.

606: DEBATE
How big a player is Ben Blair for the Blues?

The Blues have a 100 percent record in the Heineken Cup this season and 29-year-old one-time All Black Blair has been a key player, scoring 58 points in Europe.

Blair underwent an X-Ray and Blues coach Dai Young admits Blair's injury is a "massive blow for both him and us."

Leigh Halfpenny, who replaced Blair in Wednesday's 16-12 defeat to the Ospreys, is likely to replace Blair at full-back in his absence.

The Blues are less concerned with Wales and British Lions flanker Martyn Williams who came off in the second-half with a shoulder injury.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
BBC Wales Scrum V
Scrum V Extras
Welsh Rugby Union
Cardiff Blues
BBC Where I Live - SE Wales
Rugby union weather
Cardiff fans' views on 606
Welsh rugby webguide
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites