Umaga: Blues can cope without Rene Ranger

The 29-year-old suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in Blues' 23-18 win against Sharks in Auckland on Saturday.

Former Montpellier man Ranger now faces another lengthy spell on the sidelines, having also undergone neck surgery this year.

Umaga said the loss of Ranger is a blow, but the Blues head coach can call upon the likes of George Moala and Male Sa'u to replace him.

"We've got enough players to cover him but it's obviously not ideal to lose Rene," Umaga said.

Blues are seventh in the Australasian Group following the first seven rounds and prop up the New Zealand Conference.