Rugby: Blues delay decision on left wing

Rene Ranger. Photo / Getty Images

The Blues will wait until they arrive in Brisbane tomorrow before confirming whether Rene Ranger or Lachie Munro will be on the left wing for the Super 15 rugby final against the Reds on Saturday night.

Ranger is coming back from two weeks out with a hamstring injury, while Munro bruised his hip when clattered into by Waratahs skipper Phil Waugh while scoring a try in the semifinal qualifier last week.

Ranger is a destructive runner with the ball, whereas Munro is the Blues' frontline goalkicker.

Coach Pat Lam agreed he faced a tough choice, although he had an idea who he would go for.

But he was in no rush to make a final decision, saying there were still three days to go before the match.

The one confirmed change in the starting 15 is loose forward Chris Lowrey's move from the reserves bench to replace Anthony Boric at lock.

Boric suffered a mid-foot sprain in the 26-13 win over the Waratahs and is out of rugby until mid-August.

Meanwhile, Luke Braid has retained the No 7 jersey ahead of older brother and former Red Daniel, who returned to Super rugby last weekend after a lengthy spell out with injury.

As against the Waratahs, Daniel Braid will start on the bench.

Blues:
Jared Payne, Joe Rokocoko, Benson Stanley, Luke McAlister, Lachie Munro/Rene Ranger, Stephen Brett, Alby Mathewson, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Chris Lowrey, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Charlie Faumuina.

Reserves: Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, James King/Mat Luamanu, Daniel Braid, Chris Smylie, Munro/Ranger, Winston Stanley/Sherwin Stowers.

- NZPA