Flavell could be days away says Nucifora

Former All Black Troy Flavell could join the Blues as early as next week, depending on a result in Japanese domestic rugby this weekend.

Flavell, who has played 15 tests and made 43 appearances for the Blues, is set to return to New Zealand after completing his commitments with Japanese club Toyota.

Blues coach David Nucifora said the forward's date of arrival in Auckland could a matter of days, or it could be a few more weeks away.

"There's a game going on in Tokyo on Sunday that will give us an indication," he said.

"It's not his team playing. There are two other teams and if one particular team wins, then Troy could be back as early as next week. If that doesn't happen, we could still be waiting for two or three weeks."

The Blues and the Hurricanes will kick off the new expanded Super 14 competition when they meet at Eden Park next Friday night.

The Blues completed their pre-season trials with a 43-5 romp over new boys the Western Force last night.

While Nucifora rested a couple of his players because of minor niggles, he said he had no injury concerns ahead of the match with the Hurricanes.

He said his players' performance in the seven-try-to-one victory over the Force had left him in the happy position of having to make some difficult selection choices.

"That's what we want," he said. "The more depth we can generate the better. The competition this year is going to be about depth. You're going to have to use your players well."

- NZPA