Blues captain Jerome Kaino is set to miss Friday's opening Super Rugby round clash with the defending champion Higlanders after being sent off.
The All Blacks loose forward has been given a one-week ban for his punch on Chiefs prop Pauliasi Manu in Friday's 24-12 trial match win in Pukekohe, according to media reports.
New Zealand Rugby has not yet officially announced the suspension.
The incident happened early in the second half when Kaino was pinned in a maul.
As the two-time World Cup winner tried to free himself, he swung his right hand and connected with Manu's face.
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He went to the match officials to explains his actions, but was shown a red card.
The Blues won all three of their pre-season matches under new coach Tana Umaga.
