Rugby: Blues' toll grows despite lull in training

Anthony Tuitavake has a leg injury. Photo / Getty Images

Reducing their workload did nothing for the Blues' damage toll as they headed into tomorrow's final Super 14 match with the Crusaders.

Towards the end of their solitary team run, centre Anthony Tuitavake hobbled away with a painful leg injury which required some lengthy medical attention.

He declared he would be at the startline at Eden Park but it would be no surprise to see Tuitavake, like injured Crusaders lock Brad Thorn, withdraw from the final-round contest.

Blues senior flanker Justin Collins has been chosen for what is supposed to be his final Super rugby game but the medical staff were also cautious enough to bracket him in case he suffers further problems after his recent concussion.

First-year Blues coach Pat Lam remained buoyant about his side's prospects despite the lack of results.

"There is a bit of pride. We need to go out there and win, that was what we were after last week and started well but did not get the job done. So there is a real determination. The Crusaders are going well but for us it is about getting a good win," he said.

There were no thoughts of giving the Crusaders any leg-up to the playoffs. This would be a tough game where players could push for places in the All Blacks as well as hunt for a win.

It was also a chance for new faces such as openside flanker Tom Chamberlain, who had been pushed into work because of the injury crisis and acquitted himself well.

He had learned a great deal from his initial duel with Scott Waldrom, last week against George Smith and could now compare his progress against All Black skipper Richie McCaw.

"He is doing well. It is a big jump up the level from club rugby but he is performing well and hopefully he takes that progress and experience through to play well for North Harbour," Lam said.

Pride would deliver the workrate for the Blues tomorrow in the last game of their 2009 campaign but that would not be enough without players also showing their skills under pressure, Lam said.

Ideally, he wanted several other trainings this week but without enough fit players it wasn't practical.

However, he has still been able to name a side with eight All Blacks and minor selection disruptions from last week, while the Crusaders will front with just four All Blacks after Thorn's late withdrawal.

After their trip to South Africa and torrid match against the Reds on their return, the Crusaders have also reduced their workload this week.

"We are preparing for a big challenge against the Blues," said coach Todd Blackadder. "They are tough to beat at Eden Park and will have one or two points to prove."

Eden Park, 7.35pm tomorrow

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

CRUSADERS
Leon MacDonald
Jared Payne
Tim Bateman
Ryan Crotty
Adam Whitelock
Andy Ellis
Stephen Brett
Thomas Waldrom
Richie McCaw (c)
Kieran Read
Isaac Ross
Michael Paterson
Owen Franks
Jason Macdonald
Wyatt Crockett

Blues: T. McCartney, T. Mailau, D. Budd, P. Saili/A. van der Heijden, G. Hart, J.Helleur, P.Williams. Crusaders: D. Perrin, B. Murray, R.Filipo, G. Whitelock, K. Fotuali'i, S. Maitland, H. Gard.