Auckland: Blues call for ref's-eye view of tackled-ball puzzle

By WYNNE GRAY

A concerned Blues squad are whistling up leading referee Paul Honiss to give them a remedial lesson on the mysteries of the tackled-ball law.

Honiss will re-evaluate the Blues' breakdown techniques tonight as the squad goes through their final practice for Friday's Super 12 match against the Crusaders at Eden Park.

Like all Super 12 squads, the Blues had referees advise them before the season started on the way the laws were going to be applied.

Most teams thought they would adapt, but when they moved from practice and trial matches into the opening round of Super 12, there was widespread confusion.

For the Blues, that meant conceding a swag of penalties against the Highlanders. This week they have been in the classroom watching videos, rereading the rules and putting new ideas into practice on the training paddock.

Those schemes will get further assessment from Honiss tonight.

"We wanted to get some further hands-on instruction," coach Frank Oliver said.

"We had some players who got pretty disillusioned in the opening game. They were all a bit gunshy about going to the breakdowns.

"We have altered our techniques and there is no point in us guessing what the refs might think, so we have got Paul in to tell us what he thinks.

Oliver accepts the tackle ball pileup is an area of the game which requires attention, but needs to be convinced that the referees' rigid approach to it is the right one.

"But all of us certainly have got to make some sense out of this."

Crusaders coach Robbie Deans knows his squad are still learning their approach to pileups as well, but is sure the idea of players staying on their feet is constructive progress.

"As long as everyone is committed I think the change will be good for the game," he said.

"Otherwise we were heading for a game which was going like gridiron with players ahead of the ball, spread defence, the use of decoy runners and blockers.

"There was sniping at the breakdown, players being cleaned out, and it was also not a good example for young kids coming into the game."

Deans believes mauling will develop during the Super 12. It would then offer forward and lateral attacking options, which would mean more players committed to contact pileups.

"The players will have to adapt to these rules, because they do not enjoy it when they get penalised. If the referees are consistent we should all move forward."

The Crusaders will again be without All Blacks Andrew Mehrtens, Mark Robinson and Norm Maxwell though Mark Hammett, Greg Feek and Leon MacDonald have all passed fitness tests.

Team selection for the Blues will focus on several areas.

A repaired Troy Flavell is ready after knee problems and should replace Xavier Rush on the blindside, leaving only Amasio Valence and Justin Collins unavailable because of injury.

Some front-row rearrangement is likely, with Tongan international Tevita Taumoepeau likely to start at tighthead prop after the scrum wobbles last week. Craig Dowd should be retained either on his favoured loosehead or as backup cover for both sides.

Changes in the backs will also be considered after the lack of width to the Blues game.