KEY POINTS:
There is nothing like getting in first. It used to be the maxim in the days when lineout enforcement was left up to the players.
Rival coaches David Nucifora and Robbie Deans produced the modern equivalent yesterday ahead of Friday's clash at Eden Park between the Blues and Crusaders which will start this Super 14 season.
Nucifora was leaving his team selection until today but he was adamant his choice would reflect the Blues' intention to attack the match. That hinted at an opening gambit of using the versatile Isa Nacewa at first five-eighths rather than the dependable talents of the seasoned David Holwell.
"We have to play the game against these guys. We can't be reactive against the Crusaders," the coach said about his proposed choice at pivot.
"We need to go out there and be proactive not reactive."
Nucifora revealed his preference for Luke McAlister in midfield.
The All Black's task in the first round will be to confront former national colleague Casey Laulala rather than his former provincial teammate Rua Tipoki, who has moved to the Crusaders.
Deans has switched Laulala from centre in a decision which will test the defensive authority of the Blues backline.
Shorn of seven All Blacks because of the national reconditioning programme, Deans did not hesitate in his team selection and has been able to call on eight past or present All Blacks for the start of the Crusaders' title defence.
He has opted for the attacking talents of Stephen Brett at first five-eighths and decided on Ben Franks instead of Wyatt Crockett at loosehead prop.
"I am happy to be playing them [Crusaders] first up, to be honest," Nucifora said of the competition start.
He did not expect the summer conditions to affect the players too much, nor did he think conditions or the All Blacks' absence would affect the size of the crowd.
The Blues had only had two trial games because of the extra-early start to the season and the second against the Chiefs had been a hugely physical hitout. The Blues selection is not expected to differ much from that game, with new captain Troy Flavell to lead the side from lock.
