Blues get their Big guns back against Western Force – Super Rugby update
Keven Mealamu the hooker, Daniel Braid the flanker and locking pair Ali Williams and Anthony Boric will be returning in the starting lineup for Blues for their upcoming fixture on Saturday against Western Force in Perth.
Toby Morland will be playing as a halfback, while Luke McAlister has held on to the no. 10 shirt, in their last fixture before going back to New Zealand. Pat Lam, the coach for Blues seems good to have all the big guns back and he is even optimistic about
Toby Morland’s inclusion as a halfback.
Lam admitted, “Toby is a good team man, he's very experienced and has played a lot of Super Rugby so this week he gets his first start for the Blues.”
Western Force announced the changes in their squad Western Force announced the changes in their squad yesterday and will be releasing a finalized list today. Meanwhile, Pat Lam took his time and confirmed his side after much consideration and strategy reviewing.
He had to make some suitable replacements for the injured players.
During the match against Lions, Peter Saili took an injury blow and paved way for Courtney Lowrey, who will be playing in his desired number eight jersey. The gigantic Charlie Faumuina will also join in the forward line for Blues.
Lam said, “I've got a lot of trust in Charlie's skill. People have seen a peek of what he can do when he's come on this year so it's a good prospect for him.”
Pat Lam fears that after travelling and then facing the heat on the field will make problems for the players who just joined in. Though, he considers the inclusion of Faumuina as a positive step, as his presence will surely relieve the forward line. Lam
said, “To have class like Faumuina coming in to ease the stress on the All Black front line, which have played all three games this season.”
Blues squad:
15 Isaia Toeava,
14 Joe Rokocoko,
13 Jared Payne,
12 Benson Stanley,
11 Rene Ranger,
10 Luke McAlister,
9 Toby Morland,
8 Chris Lowrey,
7 Daniel Braid,
6 Jerome Kaino,
5 Ali Williams,
4 Anthony Boric,
3 Charlie Faumuina,
2 Keven Mealamu (skipper),
1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements:
16 Tom McCartney,
17 John Afoa,
18 Kurtis Haiu,
19 Luke Braid,
20 Alby Mathewson,
21 Stephen Brett,
22 Sherwin Stowers
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