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The New Zealand Rugby Union has expressed doubt about claims that All Blacks Tony Woodcock and Joe Rokocoko will quit the Blues if David Nucifora remains in charge of the Super 14 franchise.
Rugby News magazine claimed World Cup-bound All Blacks Ali Williams, Woodcock and Rokocoko would seek to play elsewhere in next year's competition if Nucifora, who has been reappointed as head coach through to 2009, remained at Eden Park.
Williams' deteriorating relationship with the Australian has been common knowledge since he was sent home from South Africa on disciplinary grounds before the Blues' semifinal demise in Durban.
But claims Woodcock and Rokocoko were also unhappy were strenuously denied by Blues chief executive Andy Dalton on Thursday.
Williams is off contract with the NZRU and Auckland at the end of the year and has been linked with a potential move to the Crusaders for the 2008 campaign - a ready-made replacement for England-bound lock Chris Jack.
Dalton admitted negotiations to retain Williams were a work in progress but emphatically rejected suggestions Rokocoko and Woodcock were unhappy.
"They both clearly stated to me they are happy in the Blues squad and are looking forward to next season. The end-of-season review they completed supports this statement," he said.
The NZRU originally refused to comment on the story but deputy chief executive Steve Tew today admitted the organisation was "puzzled" by the claims - particularly in relation to Woodcock and Rokocoko.
The pair have a year to run on their contracts with Blues' franchise partners North Harbour and Auckland respectively and would need to seek a release.
"Obviously Ali's situation is not a secret but as far as Roks or Woody are concerned we can't find any substance to it," Tew told Radio Sport.
"We've had no contact with them, or their people. We're quite puzzled frankly."
Tew conceded the NZRU would not necessarily be aware if players were unhappy but there was no indication of dissatisfaction when end of season reviews were undertaken.
"We've been through a thorough review process with the franchises including face-to-face interviews with players - none of that surfaced at all.
"I don't know if those two players were interviewed but there was no negative comments coming from the Blues environment as far as we could determine."
If players did approach the NZRU seeking a move they would be heard though the reality was their current contracts were binding.
The only way they could play for another Super 14 franchise next season was if they negotiated a release or were placed in the draft - an unlikely scenario for Woodcock and Rokocoko.
Although Rugby News claimed Woodcock and Rokocoko had raised concerns with the NZRU Tew said he was unaware of anyone at the organisation that had spoken to pair.
Tew said he was also unaware of any potential shift from Auckland for Williams though he was confident he would re-sign with the NZRU.
Other than Williams' disciplinary issues, he was unhappy with the game time he received once the All Blacks reconditioning period ended in round seven of the Super 14.
Rokocoko also only played sporadically once becoming available as Rudi Wulf was preferred.
The wing might also be a target for the Crusaders following Rico Gear's impending departure for England though he is thought to be settled in Auckland.
Rokocoko, who is on a break from Auckland provincial duties, and Woodcock - on a similar arrangement with North Harbour - were unavailable for comment.
Williams is named to play Bay of Plenty in Mt Maunganui on Friday night, where his status is likely to be a focal point after the match.
- NZPA
