KEY POINTS:
Fullback Isa Nacewa is being groomed to make an early Blues comeback in what should be a telling boost to the backline's recent toiling efforts.
Nacewa will not travel to Sydney tomorrow for the side's next game against the Waratahs but the medical staff have indicated he will be ready for the ninth round clash against the Brumbies at Eden Park.
That verdict will be welcomed by the Blues as their struggles have coincided with Nacewa's return from South Africa after injuring a medial ligament in his right knee. Specialist advice was that he would be ready for the Blues round 11 match with the Crusaders but his recovery has been better than expected.
In Nacewa's absence, the Blues have had mixed results from Ben Atiga and George Pisi at fullback but will have to ask one of them to deputise again this Saturday.
Tighthead prop John Afoa was the only casualty from the latest escape act against the Bulls but he was walking freely yesterday on his tender thigh.
Coach David Nucifora has eased the demands on some players as he tries to get them through to the bye in two weeks without further damage. No 8 Nick Williams played only the last quarter against the Bulls and wing Anthony Tuitavake was given the game off so both are likely to be picked when the team is announced tomorrow.
The Waratahs and coach Ewen McKenzie have come under increasing pressure in the middle of the series, with suggestions McKenzie will keep his job if the side reaches the final.
"I have probably got some empathy and sympathy for Ewen," Nucifora said. "He's a good mate of mine from my playing days and I do feel for him being put under the pump like that but it's something that goes with the job."
The Blues have battled with two losses and two narrow wins in the last month. While their work has troubled Nucifora, he said it was a change from recent years when the side lacked the composure to escape in close matches.
"Our defence has been good, our scrambling work too, but realistically we need to get the fluency back into our attack and that is going to be the main focus," he said.
A major overhaul was not needed, just some tinkering with tactics and a concentrated look at the way the Waratahs were playing.
The hosts are mid-table but bullish they can recover to derail the Blues.
"We're only coasting at the Waratahs, playing in about third gear," wing Lote Tuqiri wrote in his column.
"We're letting ourselves down at times and only playing at about 30 to 40 per cent of our capabilities."
