Rugby: Blues welcome back seasoned trio

Blues lock Ali Williams returns to full contact training today. Photo / Dean Purcell

Three of the Blues senior players have been released from the casualty ward ahead of Saturday's Super 14 match against the Reds at North Harbour Stadium.

Tasesa Lavea, Justin Collins and Ali Williams will all return to full contact training today after stints on the sidelines.

Blues coach Pat Lam says Williams in particular is desperate to get back out on the field after missing the last three rounds with an Achilles problem. He says Williams is fresh and wants to play, but they have to make sure his body is ready to play week-in, week-out.

Lam is hoping All Black prop John Afoa will be able to return for their round 13 match against the Brumbies in Canberra.

Williams is thrilled to be back but disappointed he will not get the chance to square-off against former Blues teammate Daniel Braid this weekend. Braid has been ruled out for the remainder of the Reds' Super 14 campaign after rupturing his Achilles tendon.

Williams says he was looking forward to facing Braid. He says Braid has been playing very well this season and is a passionate Aucklander.

Collins is also pleased to be returning to the field and is hoping to help ease the workload on the flankers, especially rookie Chris Lowrey. He says Lowrey has had an outstanding debut season and he is happy to help relieve the pressure.

- NEWSTALK ZB