Rugby: Ranger dropped to Blues bench

Blues centre Rene Ranger has been replaced by Benson Stanley. Photo / Getty Images

Blues excitement machine Rene Ranger has been dropped to the reserve bench for their Super 14 rugby match against the Western Force in Auckland on Saturday.

Second five-eighth regular Benson Stanley makes a surprise start at centre ahead of Ranger in one of five possible personnel changes from the starting side who lost to the Stormers in Auckland last weekend.

Ranger has been in strong tackle-breaking form but coach Pat Lam has opted for the defensive prowess and steadier attacking game of Stanley outside All Blacks second five-eighth Luke McAlister, who made his first start of the season last week.

The other changes come in the forwards, where Tom Chamberlain replaces Serge Lilo on the openside flank and Filo Paulo starts ahead of injured lock Anthony Boric.

Both propping positions are bracketed, pending the fitness of All Blacks props John Afoa (back) and Tony Woodcock (neck). Afoa is bracketed on the tighthead side with Tevita Mailau and Woodcock at loosehead with Mike Reid.

Blues
Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko, Benson Stanley, Luke McAlister, Rudi Wulf, Stephen Brett, Alby Mathewson, Viliame Ma'afu, Tom Chamberlain, Jerome Kaino, Filo Paulo, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa/Tevita Mailau, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock/Mike Reid.

Reserves: Tom McCartney, Mailau, Andrew Van Der Heijden, Peter Saili, Chris Smylie, Rene Ranger, Paul Williams

- NZPA