Rugby: Blues look for Wulf to deliver bite at fullback

Rudi Wulf. Photo / Getty Images

Playing Rudi Wulf at fullback is not a new concept for the Blues. And it's not new to their rivals tomorrow night, the Hurricanes, either - they saw Wulf run in the No 15 jersey in a pre-season trial game.

The idea of Wulf as a fullback stalled then because he broke his wrist before the start of Super 14 and only returned to work in his regular wing position for the Blues this month.

But a sloppy defeat against the Reds last weekend persuaded the Blues coaching staff they needed some fresh thinking for their venture to Wellington which starts a must-win stretch if they are to have any chance of qualifying for the playoffs.

The Blues have made a variety of changes with Jay Williams picked to partner his All Black brother at lock while Kurtis Haiu has shifted from the second row to blindside flanker to help out a revamped loose forward trio.

All Black Jerome Kaino is fit again to return at No 8 while 22-year-old Tom Chamberlain will make his Blues debut on the openside in a significant jump from his work last week playing club rugby for North Harbour Marist.

"He is fresh but rugged and he has impressed us," Lam said of the flanker who pitches in on the openside because Justin Collins, Josh Blackie and Onosai Auva'a are all injured.

The surprises keep coming in the backline where Rene Ranger has been picked on the wing after his week's ban from the Blues for disciplinary issues with Wulf asked to switch his talents to fullback.

Ranger was excited after reclaiming his position and claimed he had not been too distracted by the investigation which led to his temporary suspension.

He has only played sevens rugby at the Cake Tin when the weather was fine.

"We need to shut them out, we need to keep the pressure on them for the whole game because they can crack if you keep the tempo up," Ranger said.

Other backline changes see Jimmy Gopperth start at first five-eighths against his old side because Tasesa Lavea is still injured.

Backline coach Shane Howarth, himself a former test fullback, was keen to push for Wulf to swap roles.

"He has all the attributes," Howarth said.

Wulf's workrate, chasing game, security under the high ball, rugged defence and ability to run the ball back all commended him to the positional change.

"He's got fullback written all over him. The only question mark might be about his kicking game but he does that alright too," Howarth said. "We had to take that into account and the chance that conditions might be a bit dirty but we think he'll be fine.

"The modern game is very different and I have watched him for two years and thought he would be great there. Fullback is a tough position, you can't hide because you have to cover everything and Rudi is extremely fit, hardworking and a good communicator."

Wulf has played several club games at fullback but said that was some time ago.

"I expect they will target me especially if it is a rough night but that will be the challenge and I will have to do my homework," he said.

"I just love playing anywhere and we will be looking to work up our counterattack moves."

Wellington, tomorrow 7.30pm

HURRICANES
Tamati Ellison
Zac Guildford
Conrad Smith
Ma'a Nonu
David Smith
Willie Ripia
Alby Mathewson
Rodney So'oialo (c)
Scott Waldrom
Victor Vito
Jason Eaton
Jeremy Thrush
Neemia Tialata
Andrew Hore
John Schwalger

BLUES
Rudi Wulf
Rene Ranger
Anthony Tuitavake
Isaia Toeava
Joe Rokocoko
Jimmy Gopperth
Taniela Moa
Jerome Kaino
Tom Chamberlain
Kurtis Haiu
Ali Williams
Jay Williams
Tevita Mailau
Keven Mealamu (c)
Tony Woodcock

Hurricanes: Ged Robinson, Jacob Ellison, Bryn Evans, Api Naikatini, Piri Weepu, Jason Kawau, Robert Fruean.

Blues: Tom McCartney, Charlie Faumuina, Dean Budd, Peter Saili, Grayson Hart, Michael Hobbs, Paul Williams.