British clubs back courting Spencer

Carlos Spencer has been sidelined by the Blues. Picture / Fotopress

Deposed five-eighths Carlos Spencer is being pursued hard by British clubs, while the Blues have turned to experienced former All Black Chresten Davis to help solve their locking crisis.

Spencer may be on the exit route, but it was the returning Davis who interested the Blues most as they searched for a cover for Saturday's match against the Cats at Albany.

Davis played in Japan last season after missing a Super 12 contract, but after his recent return he was put in the replacement pool and gratefully nabbed this week by the Blues.

They were already a lock down with the suspension of Ali Williams before tendinitis claimed utility forward Angus Macdonald. Then Greg Rawlinson damaged a knee last week.

The 29-year-old Davis was an All Black on the 1996 tour of South Africa, played for the Hurricanes and Chiefs, and should partner Bradley Mika for the Blues this weekend.

Another on that historic All Black trip was Spencer, who has received significant offers to join several rugby clubs in England since he was dropped for last week's game against the Brumbies.

Several years ago, he rejected a huge offer from Leicester, preferring to stay with Auckland and the Blues.

However, his axing last week has reactivated interest from the English clubs.

While the Blues may have to include Davis in the scrum for this round, the Cats look set to start Gordon Gilfillan, who is the tallest lock in their squad.

Flanker Hendro Scholtz is also tipped to start and coach Chester Williams has concerns about Andre Pretorious, Conrad Jantjes and C.J. van der Linde, who have all been affected by flu.

The Cats have won only two of their 28 games overseas in the Super 12 but this is Williams' first game in charge abroad after taking over the side last season.

Both teams will be announced today, with the Blues also likely to be without halfback David Gibson, who has shoulder and neck problems.

His place should go to Ben Meyer.

Joe Rokocoko and Luke McAlister are reported to be over their slight leg injuries.