The Blues will be without All Blacks second row star Ali Williams for Saturday's Super 14 clash with the Brumbies in Canberra.

One day after confirming he had re-signed with New Zealand rugby until 2012, medical staff on Monday diagnosed Williams as having suffered micro tears in his Achilles tendon, ruling him out of the rest of the Super 14 competition.

The 28-year-old is a doubtful starter for the All Blacks' first Test of the year, against France at Dunedin on June 13 and could also miss Tests against France and Italy in the following two weeks.

The Blues have also lost fellow lock Anthony Boric for the season with a toe injury.

They may have flanker Justin Collins and prop John Afoa available again when they face the Brumbies at Canberra Stadium although inside centre Michael Hobbs and flanker Josh Blackie are unlikely to play.

The news is more positive for most of the other New Zealand sides.

The Chiefs and Hurricanes are set to welcome back key players for their table-topping match in Hamilton on Saturday.

Star Chiefs wingers Sitiveni Sivivatu and Lelia Masaga should line up while Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper may well have All Blacks Hosea Gear and Cory Jane back at his disposal out wide, along with flanker Karl Lowe.

The Crusaders should have captain Richie McCaw back from his head blow for Friday's match at home to the Queensland Reds but will be without Colin Slade, the five-eighth who has surprised with his performances on the wing over the last two months.

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