Western Force assured of warm welcome

Force player David Pocock (right) trains with Richard Brown. Paul Kane / Getty Images

Is Auckland ready for rugby? Just three months after the province hosted and won the NPC final, the winter code returns to Eden Park tonight in full February humidity.

The Super 14 trial match pitches the Blues against competition newcomers the Force in their last shakedown before they begin the expanded series next Friday.

Even at a time which used to be reserved for summer sport, the Force attracted crowds of 17,000 to their debut trial game against fellow rookies the Cheetahs, and then 11,500 to their next outing in Melbourne against the Crusaders.

Whether that affection continues this side of the Tasman can be measured tonight in Auckland.

Blues coach David Nucifora has picked seven All Blacks to start this trial while the Force have bracketed most of their squad to start the match.

One player missing though is flanker David Pocock, a rising star of the game in Australia who played against the Cheetahs last weekend but has been banned from the Super 14 by his national union.

Pocock's crime is his age. He does not turn 18 until April 23 and the ARU has decreed no one under that age can play in the Sanzar series.

"It is a best practice recommendation from the IRB and we have adopted it as board policy," an ARU spokesman said yesterday.

"We have spoken to the Force and advised them Pocock can't play because there are insurance issues and all sorts of other concerns."

Pocock starred on the Australian Schoolboys tour of Europe last season and after being offered the chance, chose to play in a Super 14 trial game last week.

"When I was on the field I didn't feel intimidated at all. If you're good enough, you're old enough," Zimbabwe-born Pocock told AAP. "It's just disappointing I won't have the chance to push for a spot this year."

Deputy chief executive Steve Tew said New Zealand did not have a strict policy on the issue.

"We treat each case on its merits but we are mindful of the guidelines suggested by the IRB. You have to be aware of all the circumstances and that in such a professional series there are huge physical and mental demands on players."

Several young props such as Jamie McIntosh and Ben Franks were held back from Super 12 selection last season because that was deemed best for their development.


Blues v Western Force

* Eden Park, 6pm tonight

Blues: 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.

Western Force: Cameron Shepherd/James Hilgendorf, Scott Staniforth/Tajhon Mailata, Junior Pelesasa/Haig Sare, Josh Graham, Digby Ioane, Lachlan MacKay/Scott Daruda, Vitori Buatava/Matt Henjak, Scott Fava/Tim Davidson, Richard Brown/Matt Hodgson, Luke Doherty/Matt Windle, Nathan Sharpe (c)/David Pusey, Pat O'Connor/John Welborn, David Fitter/David Te Moana, Brendan Cannon/Tai McIsaac, Angus Scott/Gareth Hardy.