Sloane’s gamble pays dividends as Lavea shines

Hailed a genius one week, deemed expendable the next - welcome to the world of Carlos Spencer, New Zealand rugby's favourite scapegoat.

In the Blues' first four games Spencer was hardly catastrophic. He was conservative, at times against the Crusaders a little unhinged, but never so out of touch as to suggest his removal would lead to a brighter future.

But Blues coach Peter Sloane saw it differently. He had lost patience with Spencer, hinting strongly that the play maker was not necessarily playing to instructions. So Tasesa Lavea was thrown the No 10 shirt last night, with Luke McAlister moved to second five-eighths, Mils Muliaina switched from fullback to centre and Isa Nacewa introduced as the last man.

It was a big call by Sloane but the risk paid off.

Lavea was assured and played much closer to the traffic than he has in previous outings. His league background came through with some clever kicks and he tackled aggressively. His confidence was infectious and helped McAlister settle into his preferred role where he was better able to show his vision. His long kick for Doug Howlett's opening score was executed perfectly after taking the time to assess the situation.

Howlett played with exuberance and Muliaina struggled a bit. Meanwhile Nacewa was full of energy and coped well.

But all the time there was a nagging voice, asking what Spencer might have done with so much front foot ball and a more cohesive and balanced backline outside him?