Ellison slots into Blues camp well

New Blues backline utility Tamati Ellison is fitting into his new team in South Africa.

Ellison arrived into the Blues camp in Pretoria less than 48 hours ago, and will play off the bench in the Super 12 game against the Bulls on Saturday morning.

Blues coach Peter Sloane says Ellison has impressed so far, under pressure.

Sloane says he has shown he is an exciting young talent and they see him as cover for first and second five-eighths.

He says it has been difficult for the young man, given he has flown all the way over, arriving straight into a new team and training, but he is coping well.

Sloane says Ellison knows several of the Blues players and has played alongside a few of them before, so that has helped the situation.

Meanwhile, Sloane says they are well aware of Carlos Spencer's recent movements in the UK - at the same time, they are hoping he will be fit to play in their game against the Hurricanes in Auckland next week.

It is looking more and more likely that game will be Spencer's farewell to Eden Park, after all but signing up with Northampton in England.

Assuming he recovers from his cheekbone break and the Blues do not gain a home semifinal, then next Friday is likely to be Spencer's last home game.

- NEWSTALK ZB