By WYNNE GRAY
Worries which new Blues coach Frank Oliver carried around Australia this week eased yesterday as he and his squad flew home after their final Super 12 trial match.
After his side got a touch-up from the Waratahs and then fell behind in Wednesday night's match against the Reds in Nambour, Oliver admitted that he wondered about the team's qualities.
"I was worrying about their commitment but they got their act together, which was great," he said of the Blues' 38-19 victory.
After the Blues scored early they conceded two soft tries to further agitate Oliver.
"It was sort of a crunch time for us all, even at this stage of the season. We needed to show more resolve and they did."
Oliver pointed to several brutal tackles from midfield back Rua Tipoki which stopped the Reds' onslaught and reignited the Blues.
"I don't like picking out individuals, but Rua was outstanding in defence and chopping them up," Oliver said.
The coach was also encouraged by each front-row combination he tried.
"The whole lot got better, right throughout the tight five. There was a lot more bite to it, there was a bit of hair and fur flying out there. They got stuck in, they were on the job. It was very encouraging. They gave a great platform for our loosies."
Craig Dowd, with two, Rua Tipoki, Xavier Rush, Mark Robinson and Orene Ai'i made tries for the Blues.
The Blues escaped without serious injury, though halfback Steve Devine wrenched his shoulder and might not be able to practise much before next Friday's Super 12 start against the Highlanders at Dunedin.
New Zealand's Super 12 squads
2001 Super 12 schedule
Final trial dulls Oliver's blues
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