Blues open season with tall timber

Sam Tuitupou (centre) slaps hands with Blues team-mate John Afoa (right) as fellow players, from left, Isakeli Nacewa, Daniel Braid and Steve Devine relax with them before a training session Picture / Kenny Rodger

The Blues have countered the anticipated plans of the Highlanders by choosing Greg Rawlinson at lock for tomorrow's start to the Super 12.

Rawlinson is a hardworking, grafting lock, whose lineout ability should complement Ali Williams and make the Highlanders think more about any territorial kicking tactics tomorrow at Carisbrook.

"They need to know we have the ability at the lineout," Blues coach Peter Sloane said after revealing his team yesterday.

"We know we are going to be in for a heck of a contest in the setpieces and we thought this gave us a few more options."

South African-born Rawlinson won over former All Black Bradley Mika to partner Williams in the second row. Mika is more of a ball-playing athlete while Rawlinson has a reputation for his power, work ethic and setpiece expertise.

The Blues were exposed in the lineout in their final trial game against the Waratahs, although they chose not to show any variations with the swag of Super 12 coaches watching.

"We have seen some big gains with Greg, he has got that extra height and we know the Highlanders have not got the tallest lineout," Sloane said. "They do have a very good scrum though and there will be some fierce pressure everywhere on us in the tight five."

The Carl Hoeft, Anton Oliver, Carl Hayman front row for the Highlanders will sense some advantage even against All Blacks Saimone Taumoepeau - who makes his Super 12 debut - and Keven Mealamu, with young John Afoa at tighthead for the Blues.

Two years ago when the Blues won the Super 12, their only defeat was against the Highlanders in Dunedin when they were outmuscled up front.

"That's a hard place to go and when Anton Oliver is playing his 100th and Gordy Hunter's trophy is up it doesn't make it any easier. But that's the way we like it and if we are good enough we will do the job," said Sloane. "All our backs need front-foot ball and if we get that those boys will operate - but if they don't ... "

Five-eighths Carlos Spencer confirmed his recovery from his foot problem and utility youngster Luke McAlister will play at centre, with Ben Atiga troubled by a hamstring strain.

"This has not been an easy week and a half for Carlos and there still may be problems," Sloane said.

"He was in a lot of pain for a while but we just hope that is all about how hard he has pushed himself rather than anything else."

* Carisbrook, Dunedin, tomorrow 7.35pm

Blues

Mils Muliaina
Isa Nacewa
Luke McAlister
Sam Tuitupou
Joe Rokocoko
Carlos Spencer
David Gibson
Xavier Rush (c)
Daniel Braid
Angus Macdonald
Ali Williams
Greg Rawlinson
John Afoa
Keven Mealamu
S. Taumoepeau

Highlanders

Ben Blair
Neil Brew
A. Tuitavake
Seilala Mapusua
Matt Saunders
C. McIntyre
Jimmy Cowan
Paul Miller
Josh Blackie
Craig Newby
James Ryan
Filipo Levi
Carl Hayman
Anton Oliver (c)
Carl Hoeft

Reserves:

Blues: Derren Witcombe, Taufa'ao Filise, Justin Collins, Nick Williams, Steve Devine, Tasesa Lavea, Rudi Wulf.

Highlanders: Ryan Glover, Jason Shoemark, Danny Lee, Colin Bourke, Hoani MacDonald, Clarke Dermody, Mahonri Schwalger.