Blues dealt double blow

The Welsh region are currently fighting to stay in the Magners League top four to secure a play-off semi-final.

They face Newport Gwent Dragons on Friday before finishing against the Scarlets on May 6.

But they will have to do it without two of their influential Welsh stars. Halfpenny damaged ankle ligaments against Benetton Treviso last week and is certain to miss the remainder of the season.

Cardiff Blues coach Dai Young is confident Halfpenny will recover to take a full part in Wales' World Cup preparations but at worst case scenario he could remain sidelined for six weeks, making him a major doubt for the clash with the Barbarians on June 4.

"The injury certainly doesn't require surgery which is positive but he won't figure in our last two games," said Young.

"We're hoping it's four weeks with a maximum of six. He's a quick healer and the next two weeks will determine when he returns.

"It's pretty much the same injury as before. If you speak to a lot of players the ankle can become problematic once you have done it.

"But I'm sure he will fully recover before the World Cup. We would never play him unless fully fit but when you do that you will always have a little bit of a weakness there."

The Blues had been hoping to be boosted by the return of Jenkins but he is unlikely to feature again during the regular season.

But Young is confident the loosehead will be firing on all cylinders come Wales' World Cup warm-up matches and revealed he could return to action for the Blues, if they reach the Magners League play-offs.

"I can't see him figuring in the next two games," added Young

"He's not far off but is still struggling in the scrum - getting down and putting the calf and toe under pressure.

"He won't figure in the next two games but he has a good chance of playing if we get to the semis. But he will definitely be back for the warm-up games with Wales."