Blues rest McAlister, Benson Stanley, Ali Williams and Tony Woodcock to Play against Rebels
Pat Lam has ringed few changes to his side for their upcoming match against the Melbourne Rebels at Albany.
Auckland Blues will be hosting the Melbourne Rebels for the first time at the Northern Harbor Stadium in Auckland. The surprising of the all changes is the dropping of Luke McAlister to the bench for the Friday’s game.
Auckland Blues Centre Luke McAlister is the Blues top scorer of the tournament. Until now, Luke McAlister has scored 59 points that includes a penalty drop goal, 10 conversions and 12 penalty goals. Blues last week defeated the Waratahs 31-17 and earned
a bonus try point as they scored five tries in the match.
Decision to drop the McAlister is to give him the rest so that a fresh McAlister is available for the Blues in much tougher games. Commenting on the decision Lam Said, “The change gives Luke a bit of a breather, he's on fire and he's going really well for
us this season.”
McAlister’s rest makes way for another All Black Benson Stanley to take the field in the starting line-up. Blues Centre Benson Stanley suffered from injury earlier in the season. Later, he did not get an opportunity as he remained on the bench in most of
the games.
Ali Williams, Former All Blacks also returns to the Blues after recovering from the hamstring injury. Following the hamstring injury, he sustained two serious Achilles injuries that hampered his recovery.
Ali Williams comes in place of the Kurtis Haiu. Haiu suffered concussion in their last game against the Waratahs. Williams will take field after missing the action for a month. Williams last played in the Blues vs. Force draw during the round four of the
Super XV.
Friday match will also mark the return of the Blues Prop Tony Woodcock. Tony Woodcock suffered from Calf strain during the Blues encounter with Cheetahs during the round 07. Woodcock will take the place of Tevita Mailu. Tevita Mailau will drop to the reserves.
Blues have won six of the eight matches they have played in the season so far. They only conceded the match to Sharks during the round 02 of the Super XV. They have won their last four games including the games against the Waratahs after coming back from
a BYE.
Blues would be eyeing for win and a bonus point to secure their top spot in the New Zealand Conference and to take the second spot in the Super XV combined table.
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