Mealamu and Gibson return to Blues starting lineup

Keven Mealamu

The Blues' selection wheel spun two notches yesterday with test hooker Keven Mealamu and halfback David Gibson restored for Saturday's clash with the Crusaders.

Tighthead prop John Afoa was included in the side and was also back training at Eden Park after limping from the field early with a bruised thigh in the defeat to the Chiefs.

His recovery has eased one concern for the Blues as the other tighthead prop, Taufa'ao Filise, is sidelined for six weeks with a torn calf muscle.

There was no surprise about Mealamu's return - he had only given way against the Chiefs so Witcombe could have a gallop.

But there was no such certainty about the halfback choice. Gibson started against the Highlanders and Reds before Steve Devine was picked against the Chiefs for his first Super 12 start since his knee reconstruction.

Devine was steady in Hamilton, but the selectors obviously felt Gibson was sharper at this stage of the season and was a better choice for the confrontation with Justin Marshall.

Ideas about other changes were limited. Blindside flanker Jerome Kaino is suspended and utility back Ben Atiga is still affected by his strained hamstring.

So the Blues are forced to continue with the midfield combination of Sam Tuitupou and Luke McAlister, one which has yet to gell in their three outings so far.

There will also be some heat on the loose trio, espcially if they face Richie McCaw, Reuben Thorne and Mose Tuiali'i from the Crusaders.

The Blues loosies have yet to find any great unity or rhythm to back up the solid set-piece work from the tight five forwards. Mealamu's return does offer a ball carrier to test the Crusaders' fringe defence.

The Blues must look to move the ball much wider to try to create some defensive uncertainty in the visitors.

They have won their last three matches against the Crusaders, including last year's thriller in Christchurch 38-29 when Rupeni Caucaunibuca scored three superb tries.

Carlos Spencer was also in tremendous touch in that match, form which the Blues will need to resurface if they are to repel their arch Super 12 rivals.

The Crusaders will reveal their side today, with Norm Maxwell expected to be selected for his first game of the season as lock after overcoming back problems.

Other decisions for coach Robbie Deans concern injured blindside flanker Reuben Thorne and whether to persevere with Leon MacDonald at fullback or to use Scott Hamilton.