Ihaia West could be the next roll of the dice for the Blues as they seek a first five-eighths with the attacking instincts to ignite their backline for Saturday's match against the Hurricanes and beyond.
If West does take over the No10 jersey from Simon Hickey at Eden Park, and all signs are pointing that way, one Blues player in particular is likely to feel the benefit of the 22-year-old's eye for a gap and ability to trouble opposition defences.
Ma'a Nonu cut a frustrated figure alongside Hickey during the 29-23 loss to the Sharks at Albany. Relied upon by his team to break the advantage line, Nonu was forced to do so from a standing start and with several defenders in his face as Hickey stood deep and effectively shifted the pressure his way.
The All Blacks midfielder looked more comfortable once West took the field for the final 30 minutes and that could be the combination John Kirwan turns to as he seeks to get the better of a Hurricanes' line-up which is being superbly led by All Black first-five hopeful Beauden Barrett.
Kirwan revealed little of his plans yesterday, but it is clear the search for a solution to his first-five problem is continuing. Former Highlander and Crusader Dan Bowden will come into the mix next season on his return from Europe, but West could stake a big claim over the remaining four games of the Blues' season.
