Stephen Perofeta back in action

Promising Blues first five eighth Stephen Perofeta’s Super Rugby return may be just around the corner.

The highly touted 20-year-old started in the No 10 jersey for the Blues A side on Friday afternoon.

Fellow Blues first five Otere Black stepped in as assistant coach as he continues to rehab an ACL injury.

After Perofeta’s injury, the Blues were reluctant to give a hard return date and set his recovery timeline at six weeks, potentially ruling him out from the side’s trip to South Africa over the next two weeks.

After losing both Black and Perofeta before the start of the regular season, Bryn Gatland has been thrust into Tana Umaga’s starting side at first five.

Gatland scored the Blues’ first try of the season against the Highlanders last week.

Both Perofeta and Gatland’s most impressive professional performances came during last year’s British and Irish Lions tour. Perofeta started at first five during the Blues’ victory over the Lions, while Gatland started for the Provincial Barbarians against his father’s Lions side.