Blues braced for basement battle
The Blues have a chance to move off the bottom of the table this weekend, but their coach Pat Lam believes that the Lions will be just as desperate after having experienced similar difficulties this season.
Both teams have been hit hard by injury this season and have battled to get any meaningful momentum going with just one win each from the first 11 rounds of action.
The Lions managed to score three tries against the table-topping Chiefs last week in an encouraging performance which showed that their pack will ask some serious questions of the Blues up front.
All three of the Lions’ tries against the Chiefs came from well-organised line-out drives, and although they had their own issues with their line-outs earlier in the season the addition of tall timber Ruan Botha and Grant Hattingh resulted in a far more settled set-piece which will definitely test the Blues who lost four on their own throw against the Hurricanes.
Lam said that both sides will be desperate to turn things around, which should make for an intense battle.
He told Fairfax NZ News: “There are a lot of similarities with what they’ve been going through and what we’re going through. I suppose it is quite a desperate game for both teams which should make it a challenge.
“They’re a good side, particularly in the forward pack, and we respect every team because of where we are. We want to get a win,” added the Blues coach.
Lam said that All Black loosehead prop Tony Woodcock was “looking good” and should be available to take on the Lions on Friday having recovered from his calf injury, but the news about skipper Keven Mealamu was not as good and the Blues coach said that the veteran hooker may miss the June Test matches as well.
“He’s doubtful, it’s more a case now of making sure we do everything right. We don’t want to risk him if he’s not quite right. The mind is willing, but it’s just making sure the body is there,” he said.
The injury issues do not end there with loose forward Chris Lowrey ruled out after suffering concussion against the Hurricanes and promising wing George Moala doubtful with a groin injury.
Lam said that his team are intent on putting their injury concerns behind them in order to focus on getting over the line against the Lions.
“It’s obviously a big game for us and what we need to do to get the win. When you make changes, injury enforced or whatever, it’s about getting clarity for the individuals concerned,” he said.
Lam has had plenty of support this week with All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and his medical team have been in Auckland as part of their regular visits to all of the Super Rugby franchises and World Cup-winning mentor Graham Henry has also been on hand to give some sage advice.
“He [Henry] pops in now and again through his busy schedule. It’s always good when he comes in, he feels the frustration and talks about things he’s seen too.
“He’s just asking the questions like we do, and it’s good to have him here. He’s another voice, another insight,” sid Lam.
