Boric limped off against the Waratahs, but will hope to be fit by mid-August. © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Anthony Boric | Pat Lam | Rene Ranger | Ali Williams

Tournaments/Tours: Super Rugby

Teams: Blues | New Zealand

All Black lock Anthony Boric's World Cup hopes received a boost following the news he should hopefully be fit by mid-August if his recovery goes well.

Boric limped off during the Blues' victory over the Waratahs on Saturday with a mid-foot sprain. There were original fears the injury could require surgery and the 19-cap second-row could be out for six months, but team doctor Stephen Kara said the injury was 'moderate grade.' "Provided he is pain-free at the end of that period of time, then he will go on to a walk-jog programme, and aims to be back within six weeks," Kara said.

Boric will now be in a cast for two weeks, then in a moon boot and will definitely sit out the rest of the Blues' Super Rugby campaign. Kara refused to be drawn on Boric's World Cup prospects saying it would be 'purely speculative' at this stage. World Cup apart, the news of Boric's injury will come as a blow for Blues' coach Pat Lam.

Boric's injury adds to the long list of Blues' second-row casualties. Brad Mika, Liaki Moli, Filo Paulo and Kurtis Haiu have all succumbed to injury and Lam lamented their bad luck in the second-row department. "That's lock No.7 we've lost," said Lam. "It's a big loss. He's definitely out this week, and possibly longer."

Despite the bad news concerning Boric, Lam received some better news regarding his outside backs ahead of Saturday's Super Rugby clash with the Reds in Brisbane. Utility back Lachie Munro was injured in the act of scoring against the Waratahs, when he was charged into by Tahs' skipper Phil Waugh, but he should be back in full training by Wednesday. Joe Rokocoko looks set to return to training following a hamstring tweak and Rene Ranger is now over his hamstring complaint and will be in contention for Saturday's semi-final clash.

In other team news, Chris Lowrey looks set to partner Ali Williams in the Blues' second-row. Lam gave the 24-year-old his backing, despite Lowrey primarily being a backrow. "He knows the systems and everything. Lock is not his main position, but he will get in and do the job." Lam will name his side on Wednesday before the Blues depart for Brisbane.