Rugby: Blues switch tack, Waratahs move into view

Blues head coach Pat Lam. Photo / Getty Images

The Blues had zeroed their research in on the Bulls, suspecting they would meet the defending rugby champions in this week's Super 15 playoffs.

Instead Pat Lam and his crew switched their computer programmes and strategies yesterday to focus on the Waratahs who charged into the last qualifying berth and a sudden-death meeting on Friday at Eden Park.

"It would have been interesting playing the Bulls because we haven't played them this season but now it's the Waratahs. They're coming into good form and the most important thing is that we're in the playoffs for the first time in a while," Lam said.

"There was a good feel in the changing room after beating the Highlanders, everyone was pretty excited and it's a different level of rugby now.

"To be going through these quarter-finals and knockout rugby is not only good for us but for New Zealand players. That's what you want for the World Cup and for a lot of guys in contention for that tournament."

The Waratahs have a core of test players for this repeat of their round-robin game, won 31-17 by the Blues.

However, inside back Berrick Barnes is not available and the visitors have doubts about five-eighths Daniel Halangahu (hamstring) and prop Al Baxter (concussion) while hooker Tatafu Polata-Nau is also struggling.

The Blues are without Isaia Toeava, Rene Ranger, Kurtis Haiu, and perhaps Peter Saili (with a neck problem) who played in the sides' match earlier in the series. They may have Daniel Braid back from a lengthy injury absence to help cover openside duties after he played half a club game at the weekend. But All Black prop Tony Woodcock is out for the rest of the series with his foot injury.

"That's confirmed, the foot will come right. It's still a bit tender but the position he plays and what is coming up [means] he won't be able to get through any rugby yet," Lam said.

Lam was encouraged by the Blues' form revival in their past two games and nominated their teamwork as their biggest weapon for this match.

Some self-belief was also returning and the side wanted to honour prop John Afoa, who would become the Blues' third player to notch up 100 caps after Keven Mealamu and Woodcock.

The Blues had sliced the Waratahs open before halftime to lead 31-7 in their last game, before the visitors scored 10 points and kept the Blues scoreless after the break. They showed similar defensive strength last week against the Highlanders.

Lam said he'd continue to switch Luke McAlister, Jared Payne and Benson Stanley around because the side was light on available backs.

"You can sulk about losing Ice [Toeava] and what he brings, or try and adjust and get as much as you can out of our game," he said.

In their five losses this year, the Blues had lost the tactical kicking battle but they balanced that a great deal better against the Highlanders who were an awkward opponent.

Afoa had topped the Blues' tackle count against the Highlanders, making all 20 he attempted - team statistics showed the Blues had missed only one tackle on the night.

The Blues will review their plans today on how to combat the huge Waratahs pack with men like Sitaleki Timani, Dean Mumm, Dan Vickerman and a backline holding Kurtley Beale, Lachie Turner and Tom Carter, naming their team on Wednesday.