Japanese club's loss is a win for Blues

Former All Black loose forward Troy Flavell may link up with the Blues this week after his Japanese club side suffered a shock loss.

Flavell has spent two seasons with the Toyota club who were expected to stroll past the weekend challenge of Waseda University in the All-Japan championship.

Instead, in what was described in match reports as the biggest shock in the domestic history of Japan, Waseda scored a famous 28-24 victory.

Flavell scored a try in the match but his deeds were not enough to save his team from the humiliation of defeat by a team of enthusiastic amateurs. But Toyota's loss is the Blues gain.

Toyota were expected to progress a fair way in the All-Japan championship and Blues coach David Nucifora did not anticipate Flavell would return and be ready for Super 14 rugby until about round six of the new series.

However Toyota's defeat may have Flavell in the frame for the third round away match with the Reds.

The 29-year-old Flavell played 15 tests for the All Blacks as a lock or loose forward but left for Japan after he was suspended for 12 weeks in the 2003 Super 12 series for stomping on Greg Smith.

New All Black coach Graham Henry showed his interest in the utility forward last year when he tried, unsuccessfully, to get Flavell released from his Japanese contract.

Meanwhile Flavell will return to a Blues squad chastened after their opening loss to the Hurricanes and facing a tough away match on Friday against the Highlanders.

No 8 Angus Macdonald has a hamstring strain which may force Nick Williams back to his usual position with Justin Collins, Kurtis Haiu or Anthony Boric contenders at blindside flanker.