Bryn Gatland could make his Super Rugby debut for the Blues this weekend after being called up as injury cover for Ihaia West.
West suffered an ankle injury after coming off the bench in the scrappy Blues win over the Force at Eden Park last Saturday, and could now be sidelined for at least a month.
With young Taranaki first five-eighth Stephen Perofeta also battling an ankle complaint, the Blues are likely to persist with Piers Francis at No 10 and include Gatland as cover on the bench for Friday night's clash with the Highlanders in Dunedin.
West lost his starting role to Francis but has shown spark off the bench, injecting his attacking skills late as the Blues secured successive wins.
Gatland, son of Wales and British and Irish Lions coach Warren, starred for North Harbour this season and also had a short stint as injury cover with the Crusaders. If given a chance, the 21-year-old could prove a steadying influence for the Blues with maturity beyond his years and deadly accurate goal kicking.
Elsewhere news is mixed for the Blues with Sonny Bill Williams back training fully and Steven Luatua, having served his four-week suspension, also expected to feature against the Highlanders.
But Rene Ranger has been sideline with another ankle injury after scoring two tries in a match for the Blues development team.
Photo: Getty Images (Ihaia West has found his confidence and form coming off the bench for the Blues in recent weeks).