Hiding fallout widens for Blues

Ali Williams (centre) is marched. Picture / Greg Bowker

The besieged Blues, who already risk losing three players to suspension today, may drop playmaker Carlos Spencer for their next match.

Fallout from the alarming 41-19 loss to the Crusaders continues in Wellington today with lock Ali Williams joined in the dock by David Gibson and Sam Tuitupou, who were cited yesterday to answer trampling charges.

Their fate at an NZRU judicial hearing may decide their roles in the Blues' next game - April 2 against the Brumbies - and there are hints the Blues have lost tolerance with Spencer.

There are growing whispers that despite his experience, Spencer is either ignoring instructions or is not delivering the game the selectors want.

Tasesa Lavea, who played the final quarter at first five-eighth, did enough to suggest he could be retained for the Brumbies game.

Before that selection scrap is finalised, the Blues hope to convince the judiciary of their players' innocence.

Williams was ordered off by referee Paddy O'Brien, on a touch judge's advice, for rucking Richie McCaw's head, and the lock's teammates were cited by commissioner Steve Hinds for trampling in the same incident.

Crusaders coach Robbie Deans was incensed enough after the match to accuse the Blues of causing head or facial wounds to McCaw, Aaron Mauger and Leon MacDonald.

But Blues boss Peter Sloane said a number of his players needed stitches, although they had not wanted to mention that in case it sounded like sour grapes.

After watching a number of video replays, the Blues were certain Williams had not struck McCaw's head with his boot. The referee was in good position but touch judge Paul Honiss made the call from 50m away.

Rucking had to be permitted, especially if players were not moving away from the ball.