Stiff competition in the back row as Blues-NSW square off

Wallaby hooker Brendan Cannon will lead a promising NSW side which will square off today against a Blues development team including seven members of the senior Super 12 squad.

The hit out is another chance for the coaching staff to assess a wider pool of players before the Blues host the Waratahs on Friday in a final trial match in Whangarei.

Cannon, flanker Rocky Elsom, midfield back Nathan Grey and fullback Cameron Shepherd are the most experienced NSW players in a match with significant selection value, coach Ewen McKenzie says.

"We've played a few trials now and our thinking is definitely narrowing but we still have positions to be cemented ahead of our first Super 12 match," McKenzie said.

"There's still plenty to play for tomorrow with intense competition in the back-row, midfield and the back three."

The Waratahs have lost to the Reds and beaten the Crusaders in trial games this season while the Blues were beaten by the Hurricanes last week.

Seven of that Blues squad - Fau Felise, Tom Harding, Justin Collins, Nick Williams, Tasesa Lavea, Rudi Wolfe and Isa Nacewa - and four others in the backup group have been chosen for today's trial game.

Meanwhile it was the Blues turn yesterday to listen to the All Black coaches detail their plans and outline their selection thoughts for the demanding international season.

Coaches Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith have already visited several other franchises.

The teams

Blues Development


Ica Nacewa, James Somerset, Rua Tipoki, Andrew Mailei, Rudi Wolfe, Tasesa Lavea, Ben Meyer, Nick Williams, Tom Harding, Justin Collins (c), Brad Taylor, Cam Jowitt, Fau Felise, Roger Dustow, Tony Coughlan.

NSW A


Cameron Shepherd, Winston Mafi, Chris Siale, Nathan Grey, Elia Tuqiri, Rex Tapuai, Chris O'Young, Stephen Hoiles, Lei Tomiki, Rocky Elsom, Will Caldwell, Marty Wilson, Aaron Broughton-Rouse, Brendan Cannon, Gareth Hardy.