Braid and Atiga included in Blues squad

Flanker Daniel Braid and midfield back Ben Atiga have been passed fit for the Blues' Super 14 rugby match against the Brumbies in Auckland on Saturday.

Braid had been in doubt because of a hamstring injury but the specialist openside has been included in the starting 15 named today and will mark Brumbies dangerman George Smith.

Atiga, who suffered a facial injury in a gym accident last month, has been named on the bench.

However, first five-eighth Luke McAlister, who fractured his jaw against the Highlanders in round two, will have to wait at least another week to make his comeback.

In the only change to the 15 who started in the Blues' last match, the loss to the Crusaders two rounds ago, winger Viliame Waqaseduadua comes in for the injured Doug Howlett.

Howlett strained a hamstring against the Crusaders and had to pull out of the New Zealand sevens squad for the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Blues:

Isa Nacewa, Viliame Waqaseduadua, Anthony Tuitavake, Rua Tipoki, Joe Rokocoko, Tasesa Lavea, John Senio, Nick Williams, Daniel Braid, Troy Flavell, Ali Williams, Greg Rawlinson, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock.

Reserves:

Tim Dow, Saimone Taumoepeau, Kurtis Haiu, Angus Macdonald, Steve Devine, Ben Atiga, Brent Ward.

- NZPA