KEY POINTS:
Benson Stanley, whose uncle Joe and cousin Jeremy were All Black midfielders, has forced his way into that position for the Blues opening Super 14 game against the Chiefs.
In a continuing show of faith in Stanley's skill and ability to cope with the test-like demands of the professional series, coach David Nucifora has promoted him to fill the second five eighths vacancy left by Sam Tuitupou and Luke McAlister.
Stanley, who starred for Auckland last year when they won the national provincial championship, will partner young All Black Isaia Toeava in midfield for his Super 14 debut on Saturday at Eden Park.
The 24-year-old Stanley concentrated on his studies before attempting a full-time rugby career and Nucifora was certain that extra maturity would allow him to cope with his debut.
"We've been very careful with our selections with regard to experience in other positions as well," Nucifora said. "Experience plays a big part in this competition. It is a big ask for some people to be able to jump straight up to this level. I think you have got to have a certain type of make up to be able to deal with it.
"I think Ben's quite a worldly young bloke, hence the maturity. He has done a few other things with his life and I think all those sorts of experiences add value to footballers."
The other first-time Blues choices have both been All Blacks - halfback Danny Lee on the 2002 tour to Europe and first five-eighths Nick Evans since his elevation four years ago.
Evans has transferred north to offer real guidance to the backline while Lee was chosen in the draft to bolster the experience exodus which went with the injury retirements of Steve Devine and David Gibson.
Evans' arrival has also allowed a switch to fullback for the versatile Isa Nacewa while Anthony Tuitavake has beaten Rudi Wulf and David Smith for selection on the right wing.
"I think we've got some good thinkers and we've obviously got some good movers out there so we're hopeful we can get as close to top gear as we can in our first competition game," Nucifora said of his backline.
The coach has been forced to juggle his loose forward combinations with Daniel Braid still recuperating from shoulder surgery and yesterday also ruled out of the Blues next three games in South Africa.
"We could have taken him over there and tried to push him through in round three or four but he's too valuable to us to do that so we're sure he's going to be ready to go the first game back from Africa which will be a great boost for the side to have him then as well," Nucifora said.
The solution this weekend was to use both No 8's Jerome Kaino and Nick Williams with Kaino moving to blindside and the seasoned Justin Collins switching to cover the openside role. Kurtis Haiu will partner captain Troy Flavell in the middle row.
Nucifora said he had been listening to Chiefs coach Ian Foster talk about starting the season strongly, "so there is no doubt they have put a lot of emphasis on this game and we're ready for that. It will just add a little more than what it normally does when we play the Chiefs in the season opener for us and them".
The Blues were well prepared although Nucifora said it would be unrealistic to expect them to be at their best in the opening round.
"That would be unrealistic to say that in your first hit out but we are in good shape and I would expect nothing less than a good performance and just the occasion will bring that out in the team."
Blues: Isa Nacewa, Anthony Tuitavake, Isaia Toeava, Benson Stanley, Joe Rokocoko, Nick Evans, Danny Lee, Nick Williams, Justin Collins, Jerome Kaino, Troy Flavell (captain), Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Tom McCartney, Nick White, Anthony Boric, Onosa'i Tololima-Auva'a, Taniela Moa, Ben Atiga, Rudi Wulf.
