Rugby: Blues owe fans, says Howarth

Blues assistant coach Shane Howarth says his players will have no troubles getting up for the game against the Crusaders on Saturday. Photo / Getty Images

The Blues hope to end another failed Super 14 rugby season with a rousing finale against the Crusaders in Auckland on Saturday.

The Blues remained in the semifinals contention until losing 15-37 to the Brumbies in Canberra last weekend.

There has been an empty feeling around the squad this week as they approach their last regular season match against a respected foe knowing that victory against the Crusaders will have no rewards other than maintaining pride.

"But with who we are playing, there's no way we can't get the players up for this game certainly," assistant coach Shane Howarth said.

"There's still something about a blue and white jersey versus a red and black jersey.

"That's the history and playing on home ground for the last game of the season, we owe our supporters a great game."

Coach Pat Lam has been able to name a settled backline for the match which the fourth-placed Crusaders need to win big to stay in the running to defend their title.

Chris Smylie, Jimmy Gopperth, Isaia Toeava, Anthony Tuitavake, Joe Rokocoko, Rene Ranger and Rudi Wulf will back up from the loss to the Brumbies.

With the exception of Smylie, that backline also started two weeks ago against the Hurricanes.

"(Selection consistency) has been something we have struggled to put together so it's good to have a settled backline," Howarth said.

"I think in terms of our attack, we have done well. It's just probably our work off the ball hasn't been up to the standard we'd have wanted it."

Calibre forwards such as Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Onosai Auva'a, Chris Lowrey and Josh Blackie remain in the casualty ward but the Blues will at least be able to welcome back stalwart flanker Justin Collins, who has missed much of the sharp end of the season while recovering from concussion.

There had been uncertainty surrounding prop Tony Woodcock but he will start, giving the Blues scrum some stability in concert with fellow All Blacks John Afoa and hooker Keven Mealamu.

A season-long string of injuries have forced Lam to give 10 players their Blues debuts but Howarth felt most had come through their baptism of fire with honour.

"You got guys who are learning their trade, it's great for them and a lot of young fellas - guys like Tom Chamberlain, Peter Saili, Dean Budd, Grayson Hart - have put their hands up and have shown that with a bit of time they belong at this level, though it's probably a bit earlier than we wanted it."

Howarth felt his forwards needed to lift their work rate against the Crusaders.

"They are under no illusions about it. The Canterbury pack are led by the world's best in Richie McCaw and their backs aren't too shabby either.

" I like the way Stephen Brett, Ryan Crotty and Tim Bateman have gone. They are a good polished allround side," Howarth said.

Having leaked five tries against the Brumbies and six to the Hurricanes in their previous two matches, Howarth conceded the Blues defence was suspect.

"That's been our issue through the season. The systems are all right but probably individuals not making the best decisions and missed tackles hasn't helped and that accumulated into the problems we have.

" It's pretty obvious where we need to improve for next season."

Blues
Rudi Wulf, Rene Ranger, Anthony Tuitavake, Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko, Jimmy Gopperth, Chris Smylie, Jerome Kaino, Tom Chamberlain, Justin Collins/Peter Saili, Kurtis Haiu, Jay Williams, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, Dean Budd, Peter Saili/Andrew van der Heijden, Grayson Hart, Jamie Helleur, Paul Williams.

- NZPA