Rugby: Ranger named at centre for Blues

The Blues have called on winger Rene Ranger to replace injured centre Isaia Toeva. Photo / Getty Images

The Blues today made three changes to their starting 15 to face the Reds in their Super 14 rugby clash in Brisbane this weekend, including inserting Rene Ranger at centre and moving All Black prop Tony Woodcock to the reserves.

With the Blues having a midfield injury crisis, Ranger, usually a winger, fills in for Isaia Toeva, who went off during the win over the Highlanders last Friday with a hip problem.

Apart from Toeava, Luke McAlister and Anthony Tuitavake are also sidelined, while George Pisi could be fit to make a return against the Reds and has been bracketed on the bench.

Coach Pat Lam said Woodcock, who is replaced in the starting front row by Charlie Faumuina, was not quite operating at 100 per cent after joining up with the Blues late because of the All Blacks' end of the year tour.

"Woody was the last player back and he's not at 100 yet," he said.

"He's building towards that and we need everyone at 100, so it's making sure we have the right team out there for the start of the game and the right team to finish the game."

Faumuina's inclusion has also resulted in a reshuffle in the front row, with John Afoa moving to loosehead.

Lam was confident about Ranger's abilities in the No 13 jersey, saying he played there during the pre-season matches.

In the other personnel change for the match at Ballymore on Saturday, Peter Saili will start at No 8, with Viliami Ma'afu going to the reserves.

Lam said the change wasn't a reflection on Ma'afu, but Saili was chomping at the bit and was being given his opportunity.

Blues
Paul Williams, Joe Rokocoko, Rene Ranger, Benson Stanley, Rudi Wulf, Stephen Brett, Alby Mathewson, Peter Saili, Serge Lilo, Jerome Kaino, Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiu, Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu (captain), John Afoa.

Reserves: Tom McCartney, Tony Woodcock, Filo Paulo, Viliami Ma'afu, Chris Smylie, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Lachie Munro/George Pisi.

- NZPA