Blues backs must force Crusaders into a chase

Tactical caution finally allowed the Blues to eke out their first Super 14 win but that policy will not produce a repeat victory tonight against the Crusaders.

The plan last week succeeded because of the Reds' uncertainty and the need to play in opposition territory to avoid the vagaries of the referee.

If the Blues persevere with that limited plan in Christchurch they will open themselves up to one of the most efficient defensive and counter-attacking systems in the competition.

So the visitors must think risk and reward, they must carry the attack-at-all-costs mentality Carlos Spencer and his mates invoked during the wizardry they brought to the Blues' famous victory two years ago.

The Blues are not fancied against the champions but they have the ability to unsettle the unbeaten home side, to take them away from the patterns where they feel so comfortable.

There has been some steady work from the Blues pack this season, mixed with some awkward backline production where rhythm and flair have been patchy.

If the Blues are to discover an unlikely victory it will have to come from their spluttering backline.

The forwards can set a platform and provide the solidity but it should not be enough to win the game against an all-international Crusaders pack.

That places the emphasis on a Blues backline which has been running on oily plugs all season. Another change comes tonight with the introduction of John Senio to challenge his elder halfback brother.

But this is the match where the Blues have to attack at every chance, they have to keep the ball rather than kick it away as they did in Brisbane.

A crucial part of any attack will be the support from those like openside flanker Daniel Braid and the ability of others to create momentum instead of lateral movement.

Wings Joe Rokocoko, Doug Howlett and fullback Isa Nacewa have been underemployed this season and their instincts with those of Anthony Tuitavake must be encouraged.

Risks are greater with all-out adventure but the Blues must make a fast start, they must try and force the Crusaders to chase the game, to move away from their comforting blueprints.

Corey Flynn's lineout throwing can be upset and the scrum is not immovable but the Blues must be thinking about attacking the Crusaders backs now that Aaron Mauger is injured.

Referee Paul Honiss will bring far greater authority to this match than a number of other officials have in the initial three rounds.

That influence may spill over into a penalty fest - an area of the game where the imperious Daniel Carter has the goalkicking advantage over Tasesa Lavea or Isa Nacewa.

Carter, Christchurch, the incomparable Richie McCaw and canny coach Robbie Deans are just four healthy reasons why the Crusaders are tipped to stay unbeaten tonight - it is up to the Blues to make a mess of conventional thinking.

 

Blues:
Isa Nacewa, Doug Howlett, A. Tuitavake, Rua Tipoki, Joe Rokocoko, Tasesa Lavea, John Senio, Nick Williams, Daniel Braid, Troy Flavell, Ali Williams, Greg Rawlinson, John Afoa, K. Mealamu (c), Tony Woodcock.
Reserves:
Tim Dow, Saimone Taumoepeau, Kurtis Haiu, Angus Macdonald, Junior Poluleuligaga, Vili Waqaseduadua, Brent Ward.

Crusaders:
Leon MacDonald, Rico Gear, Caleb Ralph, Cameron McIntyre, Scott Hamilton, Daniel Carter, Kevin Senio, Mose Tuiali'i, Richie McCaw (c), Reuben Thorne, Brad Mika, Chris Jack, C. Johnstone, Corey Flynn, Greg Somerville.
Reserves:
Tone Kopelani, Wyatt Crockett, Kevin O'Neill, Johnny Leo'o, Andrew Ellis, Stephen Brett, Casey Laulala.