More injuries for embattled Blues
Tony Woodcock has lost his race to overcome a calf strain in time for Friday’s Super Rugby basement battle with the Lions – as more injuries continue to plague the beleaguered Blues.
Rene Ranger (ribs), George Moala (groin) and Chris Lowrey (concussion) are all casualties from last week’s loss to the Hurricanes, as Pat Lam has been forced to make a raft of changes to the starting XV for the bottom of the table battle.
The injury toll now stands at 11 – including current All Blacks Keven Mealamu, Isaia Toeava, Jerome Kaino, Tony Woodcock and Anthony Boric as well as Rudi Wulf and Brad Mika.
Gareth Anscombe has been restored to the playmaking role at flyhalf, as Ma’a Nonu shifts out to centre to make room for Michael Hobbs who will start at inside centre.
The major backline reshuffle sees Benson Stanley and David Raikuna start on the wings, with Hadleigh Parkes retaining his position at fullback.
Lowrey’s injury-enforced absence means Daniel Braid will partner his brother Luke on the flanks, and Liaki Moli comes into the starting XV in place of Filo Paulo.
Wider training group loose forward Steven Luatua has become a fulltime member of the Blues squad to cover for injuries and has been named on the bench.
Blues: 15 Hadleigh Parkes, 14 David Raikuna, 13 Ma’a Nonu, 12 Michael Hobbs, 11 Benson Stanley, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Luke Braid (captain), 5 Ali Williams, 4 Liaki Moli, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Tom McCartney, 1 Tevita Mailau.
Replacements: 16 James Parsons, 17 Angus Ta’avao, 18 Filo Paulo, 19 Steven Luatua, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Lachie Munro, 22 Sherwin Stowers.
Date: Friday, May 11
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand), Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
