Rugby: Ranger demoted to bench for Blues

Rene Ranger. Photo / Getty Images

Winger Rene Ranger has been demoted to the bench in one of four personnel changes to the Blues' starting 15 named today to play the Stormers in a Super 15 rugby match in Auckland on Friday night.

Coach Pat Lam said the two-test All Black would be first to admit he hadn't played to the high standards he had set.

Ranger's left wing spot goes to Sherwin Stowers, and that will "allow Rene to make some impact off the bench, which he has done well for us in the past".

Lachie Munro has been brought in at fullback as Jared Payne shifts back to centre to plug the gap left by Benson Stanley's absence through a head injury suffered in the loss to the Queensland Reds last weekend.

In the forwards, Jerome Kaino returns from a hamstring problem to the blindside flank, while hooker Tom McCartney will be used at loosehead prop.

It will be McCartney's first Super rugby start as a prop as the Blues cope with a propping shortage, with Tony Woodcock and Charlie Faumuina both in the casualty ward.

Blues:
Lachie Munro, Joe Rokocoko, Jared Payne, Luke McAlister, Sherwin Stowers, Stephen Brett, Alby Mathewson, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tom McCartney. Reserves: Pauliasi Manu, Tevita Mailau, Chris Lowery, Sean Polwart, Chris Smylie, Winston Stanley, Rene Ranger.

- NZPA