Nacewa too impressive for the bench

Isa Nacewa

Utility Isa Nacewa is poised for a remarkable promotion when the Blues begin the expanded Super 14 series on Friday against the Hurricanes.

Minor injuries and Nacewa's trial form have combined to push the versatile back from replacement duties into the Blues side, which is due to be announced today.

But what position the 23-year-old will occupy remains unclear with coach David Nucifora preferring to keep some mystery about his opening gambit.

Nacewa usually plays in the back three but has played in every backline position, except halfback, for the Blues or Auckland since his only test for Fiji in the 2003 World Cup.

He filled in, at late notice, at first five-eighths for the Blues last week against the Force and, with halfback newcomer John Senio, formed an impressive pairing.

However, with Tasesa Lavea or Luke McAlister recovered from their minor leg injuries, it seemed Nacewa would be pushed on to the bench for the Eden Park start of the new series.

Nucifora delivered a different slant though as he spoke about his selection choices.

"Isa has put his hand up, he is almost forcing us to find a place for him," he coach said.

Was that a hint or was Nucifora delivering a false trail?

"It is a hint," he said,"but I am not going to tell you where he will play."

Nacewa's strongest claims will be at first five-eighths, centre or fullback but that decision may have to be refined even more after final medical advice on others like Lavea, McAlister, Anthony Tuitavake and Steve Devine.

Nacewa's composure and range of skills convinced Nucifora he had to be included somewhere against the Hurricanes.

"One of the things we don't want to do is play guys who have got a little niggle or have not played enough because of those problems," Nucifora said. "This competition is very long and we have to have confidence in the depth of our squad. It would be silly to risk guys at this stage of the competition.

"We have worked hard to create depth and you can't shelter guys - that would defeat the purpose of having a squad."

That tone suggests the Blues will start this match with Senio, who made the squad only as a replacement halfback when David Gibson needed further surgery on his neck. When Devine hurt a leg, Senio was promoted and impressed in the trial games.

It would surprise if Nucifora went away from the pack which played the final trial match against the Force. The only change would be a fit Daniel Braid to replace Justin Collins on the openside.

There are many options in the backline because of injuries and the players' ability to play multiple positions.

Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper will also unveil his initial solution today to the surfeit of midfield talent in his squad.

There will also be huge interest to discover whether Cooper includes novice All Black utility Isaia Toeava in his lineup. With the arrival of Jason Eaton and Chris Masoe, the pack may only have one lock - either Paul Tito or Luke Andrews - who has yet to play for the All Blacks.

* Blues lock/flanker Troy Flavell is unlikely to join the squad for several more weeks as his Japan-based club side is still involved in competition play-offs.

* Draft Highlanders fullback Paul Williams has withdrawn from the squad because of complications from the broken leg he suffered playing against the Blues in 2003. He has been replaced by Richard Kahui.

The Highlanders have also lost former All Black Andrew Blowers for their opening match against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

Veteran loose forward Blowers, who has returned from a lengthy spell in English club rugby, was ruled out of the Jade Stadium clash due to lasting effects of a head knock, suffered during the team's final warm-up match against the Reds last week.