The Blues expect to re-gain the services of five players, including All Blacks duo Ma'a Nonu and Jerome Kaino, ahead of their Super Rugby clash against the Cheetahs.

Nonu (ankle surgery) and Kaino (returning from Japanese rugby committments) have not taken to the field this season and their experience will be a boost for a team that returns to New Zealand after successive defeats to the Bulls and Lions.

The Blues also hope to have Jamison Gibson-Park, Baden Kerr and Hayden Triggs available for selection, although there are concerns for three players nursing knocks from their South African tour.

In case you slept through your alarm in NZ check out video highlights of the Blues' narrow 39-36 loss to the Lions http://t.co/lVZ0ozFhcP — The Blues (@BluesRugbyTeam) March 15, 2014

Patrick Tuipulotu suffered a knee injury at Ellis Park and will undergo scans upon the team's return to Auckland, but is expected to miss at least two weeks.

Tevita Li will also have scans back in Auckland after sustaining a hand injury in the game against the Bulls while Charlie Faumuina will be re-assessed post travel after experiencing some lumbar back pain.