Rugby: Fit squad gives coach freedom to choose

The Blues expect to have a fully fit squad for the Super 14 opener against the Hurricanes on February 12.

Pat Lam's side had a horror run with injuries last season. He used 16 players new to Super Rugby when the average is about five.

Throughout the season, Tony Woodcock, John Afoa, Benson Stanley, Ali Williams, Justin Collins, Anthony Tuitavake, Anthony Boric, Onosai Auva'a, Chris Lowrey, Jay Williams, Josh Blackie, Taniela Moa, Chris Smylie, Tasesa Lavea, Michael Hobbs and Rene Ranger all had spells on the sideline; a major factor in their disappointing season. They finished ninth.

There had been concerns All Blacks Williams and Keven Mealamu might not be ready for the start of the season.

Williams missed most of last year with Achilles tendon and shoulder injuries, while Mealamu ruptured a chest muscle against the Springboks in August.

"They will all be ready for kickoff," Lam confidently predicted. "Every single player. Ali and Keven are on good rehab and conditioning programmes and will play a couple of pre-season games."

The Blues play three pre-season games against the Hurricanes (January 23 at Mangatainoka), Chiefs (January 29 at North Harbour) and Crusaders (February 4 at Nelson).