KEY POINTS:
The Blues are facing a repeat Super 14 scenario with world-class five-eighths Andre Pretorius ready to run the Lions backline this weekend.
In the last round, Highlanders No 10 Nick Evans returned to play the Blues after weeks out with a leg injury. Now Pretorius, after several games off the bench, is set to add even more punch to the resurgent Lions.
His value was underlined when he set up one try and was involved in another as the Lions surged to a late win against the Reds on Saturday night.
Coach Eugene Eloff could not persuade Pretorius to play the entire game because the player felt he was not match-fit, but he will start Saturday's game at Eden Park.
"Andre is one of those special players who can turn a match. They don't come around often and he showed it again here," Eloff said after the win in Brisbane. "He'll start against the Blues."
The series leaders were expecting that news with coach David Nucifora speaking a number of times about the value the former Springbok five-eighths added to his Lions side.
Pretorius brought a whole new dimension to their game and seemed to be able to draw another 20 per cent impact from the very capable centre, Jaque Fourie. Add in the talents of a halfback like Enrico Januarie and it could be seen the Lions were more than just a heavyweight pack of forwards.
It was time yesterday for the Blues to talk up the opposition as the best method of dealing with their last game before the bye. The Lions had won their last four games, they were second equal in the competition and had much better organisation in their defence - all reasons for the Blues to be wary of their next opponents.
Nucifora and his coaching staff were still mulling over selection ideas. They had to find a balance between retaining the current side which had achieved results and using others in the squad who deserved a run.
"Some guys might benefit from two weeks off [with the bye] so we are rethinking all those things," he said.
The complications would continue after that as the four All Blacks on reconditioning duty became available.
"They are keen to play, they are sick of running round ovals and pushing weights in the gym. They want to play," Nucifora said.
Tony Woodcock, who signed up yesterday to the NZRU until the end of 2009, Keven Mealamu, Ali Williams and Joe Rokocoko have sat out the Blues' march to the lead in the Super 14 but will be available from the eighth-round game against the Waratahs.t
Meanwhile, impressive captain Troy Flavell acknowledged the improved start to the series from all the South African sides and suggested World Cup places were the incentive.
The Lions would be demanding up front and needed special attention with their moves close to rucks and mauls. It was a matter of personal responsibility for the Blues to reduce the penalty counts against them.
