By CHRIS RATTUE
Lock Jason Chandler has been dropped from the Blues squad, while powerhouse centre Iliesa Tanivula is set to start the Super 12 ahead of former All Black Eroni Clarke.
Blues coach Gordon Hunter has called up Leo Lafaiali'i to replace the 29-year-old Chandler. The Blues' first match is against the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday.
Chandler had been a surprise inclusion ahead of Lafaiali'i. He had struggled with a knee injury early in last year's NPC campaign for Auckland when he was back-up to Charles Riechelmann and Lafaiali'i.
Hunter said the massive lock had fallen short in fitness and form. The 2m, 120kg Chandler, who has played in England for the past three years, will return to Ponsonby's ranks and hope to gain a call-up when injury strikes Super 12 teams.
Lafaiali'i, aged 25, looked to be a star on the rise when he broke into the Blues squad who won the Super 12 in 1997. He was in the run-on side who won the grand final against the Brumbies at Eden Park, and played in most of the Blues' games again the following season.
But he missed out last year, when his only Super 12 involvement was a brief spell with the Chiefs.
Hunter said Chandler had been made aware that his place in the Blues squad hung in the balance.
"He took it on the chin," said Hunter.
Lafaiali'i has been playing in Italy since the start of the year on the understanding that he would be able to return if a Super 12 side wanted him.
Meanwhile, Hunter is set to start with Tanivula, the powerfully built three-quarter who played a small part in the Brumbies' Super 12 campaign last year before returning to Auckland.
Hunter is almost certain to start the season with Orene Ai'i at first five-eighths ahead of Walter Little, and Craig Innes at second-five, with Tanivula at centre.
Hunter said: "We have been very excited by Tanivula's sharpness and execution."
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