Blues' forward pack stable - the backs a raffle

Steve Devine

Waratah export Steve Devine has been named in a casualty-hit Blues side to engage his old comrades in Sydney tomorrow.

But being picked and taking the field will be separate issues, as Devine could scarcely pass last week after damaging his shoulder against the Bulls.

The halfback has been named in a makeshift backline - including a midfield debut for national sevens rep Tamati Ellison - for a match in which the Blues need maximum points and other results to go their way if they are to make the Super 12 playoffs.

Devine played for the Waratahs in 1998, before leaving for Auckland.

He returned to rugby this season after knee reconstruction surgery and quickly assumed the senior halfback duties when David Gibson succumbed to neck and shoulder injuries.

Coach Peter Sloane has been able to name the pack which staggered the Hurricanes, but the backline has been cobbled together.

The squad's fourth halfback, Craig McGrath, was injured last week. Tasesa Lavea, Carlos Spencer, Sam Tuitupou and Mils Muliaina are also damaged. Rua Tipoki is suspended.

Somehow, Devine has been cleared to play, Ellison has been drafted into the midfield, and the Japan-bound Orene Ai'i picked out of the pool to cover a number of positions.

"It is incredible really," Sloane said of the attrition rate.

Flanker Daniel Braid has been passed fit after thigh muscle trouble against the Hurricanes and his duel with the abrasive Phil Waugh tomorrow will be a critical part of the final round-robin game.

Sloane was hugely disappointed by the 22-10 loss to the Hurricanes in a match where his side had 80 per cent territory and possession.

"We had it all there for us and we beat ourselves," Sloane said. "We had them shot to pieces, but we lacked cool heads.

"We have got to be accurate and rock-solid at set-piece. Ali [Williams] showed us what we needed, he was very disciplined and very accurate."

Wallabies Alastair Baxter and Justin Harrison will reach milestones for the Waratahs. Harrison totes up his 100th state cap, and Baxter his 50th for New South Wales.

Coach Ewen McKenzie has also taken the opportunity to blood promising lock Will Caldwell who takes the bench spot vacated by an injured Al Kanaar.


* Blues team to meet Waratahs, Sydney, 9.40pm tomorrow:

Isa Nacewa
Doug Howlett
Ben Atiga
Tamati Ellison
Joe Rokocoko
Luke McAlister
Steve Devine
Xavier Rush (captain)
Daniel Braid
Jerome Kaino
Ali Williams
Greg Rawlinson
John Afoa
Keven Mealamu
Tony Woodcock

Reserves: Derren Witcombe, Saimonie Taumoepeau, Bradley Mika, Justin Collins, John Senio, Orene Ai'i, Rudi Wulf