No room for Howlett in rejigged Blues side

Doug Howlett

All Black wing Doug Howlett is fit again but cannot make a Blues team that has been altered significantly for tomorrow's match with the Force.

While coaches David Nucifora and Joe Schmidt have made five changes to their starting combination for the game at Albany, they have not found a place for their senior wing.

Howlett strained a hamstring in the fourth round match against the Crusaders and was unable to take his place in the national sevens squad that went to the Commonwealth Games.

He missed four Super 14 games while Daniel Braid bypassed three because of hamstring troubles until the coach declared them fit this week.

While Braid has won a start there is no such reprieve for Howlett, although he is in the reserves.

New faces are Saimone Taumoepeau at loosehead prop, Anthony Boric at lock, Braid at openside, Luke McAlister at first five-eighths and Ben Atiga at centre.

Isa Nacewa, who started at first five-eighths in the last two games, has been shifted out to the right wing to replace Viliame Waqaseduadua, while Howlett shifts on to the bench.

It seems unusual that Nacewa does not get a rest and is picked for his third different place in the backline.

Anthony Tuitavake, Ali Williams and Tony Woodcock have been spelled to freshen for the side's subsequent trip to South Africa on Sunday, while Waqaseduadua and Onosai Tololima-Auva'a have made way for senior squad members.

Tight five forwards Woodcock and Williams have started each match this season, while Tuitavake was tender before the side's latest win against the Stormers.

His place at centre goes to Atiga, who played the first game of the year before he suffered facial and dental deamage in a freak gym accident.

McAlister continues at five-eighths after he returned from injury for a 25-minute stint last week, while utility forward Anthony Boric will make his first Super 14 start on his provincial ground.

The Force have a pack of some ability and reputation for this match but have lost the important midfield influence of Scott Staniforth, after he was banned for a week for a dangerous tackle.

When the sides played a pre-series trial match, the Force were competitive in the forwards, with captain Nathan Sharpe, hooker Brendan Cannon and No 8 Scott Fava leading the charge.

However, there was a lack of defensive accuracy and cohesion in their backs.

Subsequent injuries have not helped but James Hilgendorf at five eighths, Digby Ioane on the wing and fullback Cameron Shepherd have been consistent.

The Blues are chasing a third successive win tomorrow as the springboard for their trip to South Africa and games against the Sharks, Cheetahs and Cats in the Republic.

* All Blacks and Highlanders lock James Ryan will be sidelined for six months due to a shoulder injury.

Ryan, who made his All Blacks debut last year and has since played seven tests, will have corrective surgery next week.