Saili doubtful for settled Blues
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Blues centre Francis Saili will face a late fitness test to prove his availability for the game against the Reds in Auckland on Friday.
The 2-cap All Black was named at inside centre in the starting line-up announced by Blues coach Sir John Kirwan but limped out of training on Wednesday after colliding with another player, putting his participation in Friday's match in doubt.
Initial impressions were of an ankle fracture, however x-rays were clear and it appears that he suffered an ankle sprain.
Jackson Willison, George Moala and Pita Ahki loom as the likely replacements should Saili be ruled out.
Kirwan named a starting line-up with just one change from the side that beat the Waratahs 21-13 last week.
Brendon O’Connor will start at openside flank in the absence of skipper Luke Braid who took a blow to the shoulder against the Waratahs and will sit out.
"Luke’s been playing well for us and is totally committed but Brendon is an outstanding replacement for him," Kirwan said.
"He’s a very good player in his own right so it’s a really good opportunity for him."
Veteran hooker Keven Mealamu will assume the captaincy duties in Braid’s absence.
Kirwan has also made one positional change with Peter Saili switching to blindside flank and Jerome Kaino moving to eighthman as Kirwan looks for more control at the base of the scrum.
"Jerome can play both positions pretty well and together they bring a little bit of edge, they’re both physical and strong ball carriers.
"We did the same switch at half-time last week and it frees Pete up to roam around a bit more."
On the bench Ofa Tu’ungafasi replaces the injured Sam Prattley while outside back George Moala comes in for Pita Ahki.
Blues: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Frank Halai, 13 Francis Saili, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Lolagi Visinia, 10 Simon Hickey, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Jerome Kaino, 7 Brendan O'Connor, 6 Peter Saili, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Keven Mealamu (captain), 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 James Parsons, 17 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 18 Angus Ta'avao, 19 Hayden Triggs, 20 Steven Luatua, 21 Piri Weepu, 22 Ihaia West, 23 Geroge Moala.
Date: Friday, May 2
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT; 17.35 AEST)
Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
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