Senio making most of his chances with Blues

John Senio

Northland halfback John Senio gets another chance to push his claims after getting the nod to start for the Blues in a Super 14 rugby warm-up match at Auckland's Eden Park against the Western Force from Perth tonight.

Senio steps in while Blues regular Steve Devine recovers from a hamstring strain.

But while the Samoan international is keen to impress in tonight's final dress rehearsal, he isn't convinced he is poised to assume the senior role for the championship opener against the Hurricanes next week.

"It is good to get the experience. Getting a start is always a buzz," Senio said.

"But it is a day-by- day basis assessing where Steve (Devine) is with his hamstring and I'm pretty sure he will be there next week ready to go," he said.

Senio, though, is making the most of his chances, scoring a try in one of two warm-up games played in Australia last week and coming to grips with his Blues halfback role.

"It is fast, real fast, and I can't be the shy Samoan boy while I'm playing. Not for 80 minutes anyway. Communication is one of the things I have been told to work on. There're lots of things I have to work on actually," he said.

"I was really nervous in my first game in Australia, but in the second game I thought I went a lot better and relaxed and played a bit more. It was good to come through with no injuries and to get an idea about the Super 14. I have a real idea about what they expect of me in the halfback role now too."

Seven players from the All Blacks tour of Britain and Ireland have been named to start for the Blues' tonight.

Keven Mealamu will captain the side from hooker, in between fellow All Blacks Tony Woodcock and John Afoa.

The other Grand Slam tourists to start will be lock Ali Williams, No. 8 Angus Macdonald and wings Joe Rokocoko and Doug Howlett.

Justin Collins, the Auckland captain and former Northland player, is listed to start at openside flanker while Daniel Braid recovers from injury as well.

The Force were set to confirm their team today, with coach John Mitchell expected to name a full strength side.

The Force have players like Nathan Sharpe, Scott Fava, Brennan Cannon, Lachlan MacKay, Cameron Shepherd, Matt Henjak and Scott Staniforth on their books and are expected to provide stiff opposition.

But Senio said planning for the game had focussed mainly on their own game, rather than spending time trying to analyse the opposition.

"It is hard to know, they are a bit of a mystery I suppose. We really have no idea what to expect."

The game kicks-off tonight at 6pm.

The Blues team is: Brent Ward, Doug Howlett, Anthony Tuitavake, Rua Tipoki, Joe Rokocoko, Tasesa Lavea, John Senio, Angus Macdonald, Daniel Braid/Justin Collins, Nick Williams, Greg Rawlinson, Ali Williams, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Tim Dow, Chris Heard, Mike Noble, Kurtis Haiu, Anthony Boric, Justin Collins, Junior Poluleuligaga, George Pisi, Ben Atiga, Villie Waqaseduadua, Isa Nacewa.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)