Journeyman Davis proves excellent gap filler

At the start of the Super 12 season, few people would have predicted that a journeyman by the name of Chresten Davis could play a key role in the Blues' semi-final hopes.

The 29-year-old former All Black has only recently returned from playing in Japan and was thrust into the Blues lineup as they coped with a locking crisis with Ali Williams suspended and both Greg Rawlinson and Angus MacDonald virtually on one leg each.

Davis made his Blues debut last night, a week later than previously planned considering he had been due to play in last week's 23-6 win over the Cats but had to pull out because of a virus.

Although coach Peter Sloane could call on No 8 Nick Williams to pack down in the second row, where he has done so admirably for the past two weeks, Davis' experience could be crucial against the big South African locks like Bulls and Springbok duo Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha.

Davis was a Reuben Thorne-like character in John Hart's 1996 All Blacks side to South Africa, playing both at loose forward and lock and, with doubts still over the fitness of both Rawlinson and MacDonald, Davis could have a big role to play considering he's the tallest of the healthy players at Sloane's disposal.

He's certainly used to the rigours of Super 12 rugby having played for both the Hurricanes and Chiefs before venturing to Japan last year when he missed out on a Super 12 contract.

Although he was somewhat harshly sinbinned for dangerous play in the 17th minute for pulling down Sharks counterpart AJ Venter in a lineout, Davis had a generally tidy game. He was effective in the lineout and workmanlike around the field before he was replaced by the barstorming Williams in the 58th minute.

The Blues will travel to South Africa tomorrow with a degree of confidence considering they're knocking on the door of the top four.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY