KEY POINTS:
By default last year, by design this season. Isa Nacewa's choice as Blues first five-eighths will enter a new phase tomorrow as they look to unsettle the champion Crusaders in the start to the Super 14.
Former Fijian international Nacewa wore the No 10 jersey briefly for the Blues last season after they lurched to their fourth loss in six games and watched Tasesa Lavea's form deteriorate and Luke McAlister succumb to injury.
Normally an outside back, the versatile Nacewa was moved to direct the backline until McAlister recovered.
Coach David Nucifora has not waited for similar emergencies this season, opting for Nacewa to lead the backline and goalkick in an Eden Park match which may have pivotal consequences for both teams. It is a bold move but one Nucifora says is necessary if they are to challenge the champions.
"I think the style of game they play suits the choices we have made. It offers us a few more attacking options."
If the Crusaders rushed up hard to shut down the Blues' attacking width, players like halfback David Gibson and Nacewa were able to strike on the inside channels.
The selection of Nacewa meant the Blues sacrificed the experience and kicking skills of the alternative five-eighths David Holwell, but it was the sort of strategy needed to challenge the Crusaders.
Another choice which had the Crusaders puzzled was the decision to start All Black Luke McAlister from the bench. Nucifora explained that move by saying Sam Tuitupou and Isaia Toeava had been training together since November and were a proven combination while McAlister had returned to the squad only a fortnight ago.
"I think it will benefit the team further down the track," the coach said.
Tighthead prop John Afoa had also returned recently to training and while he would start he would be subbed at some stage.
"How we use our 22 is very important and we have made sure we have plenty of experience to come on at the back end of the game," Nucifora said.
"If our players stay intact we would like to be more flexible with our selections."
That was one of the results of the review of last season where onfield strategies, mental skills and preparation and group leadership were all areas identified for improvement.
"I would like to think we are going to show a return from those areas this season," the coach said.
While the Blues have lost four All Blacks to conditioning work, their places have been taken by three former All Blacks and Junior All Black Anthony Tuitavake.
That has meant the Blues have 12 internationals in their side tomorrow while the Crusaders, deprived of seven All Blacks on fitness schedules, have eight others on duty for the season debut.
BLUES V CRUSADERS
EDEN PARK, 7.35PM TOMORROW
Blues
George Pisi
Doug Howlett
Isaia Toeava
Sam Tuitupou
Anthony Tuitavake
Isa Nacewa
David Gibson
Jerome Kaino
Daniel Braid
Angus Macdonald
Troy Flavell (c)
Greg Rawlinson
John Afoa
Derren Witcombe
S. Taumoepeau
Crusaders
Brent Ward
Rico Gear
Caleb Ralph
Casey Laulala
Scott Hamilton
Stephen Brett
Andrew Ellis
Mose Tuiali'i
Johnny Leo'o
Kieran Read
Kevin O'Neill
Ross Filipo
C. Johnstone
Corey Flynn (c)
Ben Franks
Reserves:
Blues: Rudi Wulf, Luke McAlister, Steve Devine, Justin Collins, Anthony Boric, Nick White, Chris Heard.
Crusaders: Ti'i Paulo, Wyatt Crockett, Jake Paringatai, Peter Nixon, Kevin Senio, Tusi Pisi, Rua Tipoki.
* The Brumbies have named two specialist openside flankers to face the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday night.
Veteran George Smith and last year's Wallaby under-21 captain Julian Salvi will pair up to make life difficult for classy Chiefs No 7 Marty Holah.
Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher said he was prepared to sacrifice extra lineout height for more breakdown depth.
"We figure it might be better to have a couple of guys who play well close to the ground rather than have an extra player who plays well six feet off the ground," Fisher said. "It is a bit horses for courses."
The Brumbies arrive in Hamilton today.
