Rugby: Hunter rings changes to rejuvenate Blues

By WYNNE GRAY

Signing up for the Blues backline has been a hazardous occupation during the Super 12 and the perils continued last night as coach Gordon Hunter announced widespread changes for tomorrow's match against the Highlanders.

Hunter made three new picks, including Carlos Spencer as his first five eighths, and shifted two other players. Orene Ai'i earned a selection reprieve as fullback and goalkicker instead of the injured Adrian Cashmore.

As the Blues worked through their new formation at Eden Park, the Highlanders were also making a variety of backline alterations forced by the absence through injury of Tony Brown.

Utility Marc Ellis will deputise for Brown. Jeff Wilson will switch to fullback. The three-quarter line has also been rejigged with the surprising omission of Rua Tipoki. He has been carrying a leg injury though he is still named in the reserves.

The Blues backline reshuffle took some of the inspection away from the pack, where both Troy Flavell and Dylan Mika return, restored to full health.

Flavell resumes at lock for Charles Riechelmann while Mika's recovery from back trouble for his first game is neat timing with Andrew Blowers out for a week with a knee ligament strain.

After the backline wobbles last week against the Stormers, the only question was how ruthless Hunter would be for this game. Both the Blues and the High- landers are seeking to repair their recent staggers.

Once Spencer declared he was ready and Cashmore withdrew, the restructuring took shape. Out went Mark Robinson and Eroni Clarke as Hunter sought adventure throughout his team.

The new men were halfback Steve Devine, Spencer and Doug Howlett who has recovered from a shoulder problem. Iliesa Tanivula has swapped from the wing to centre and Ai'i will wear the No 15 jersey.

Hunter said: "It is easy to justify the changes that have been made and frankly decisions had to be made to enhance our performance.

"This is a vitally important game for the franchise, for the players themselves, and we elected that it was imperative we made changes to rectify some of the issues which had been letting us down.

"That was basically lack of concentration and skill factor and that is where we are at."

Rather than ditch Ai'i and use the versatile Howlett or Hayden Taylor as his fullback cover, Hunter endorsed the pace and counter-attacking qualities of the youthful Ai'i. Giving Ai'i the goalkicking duties was no problem either.

"I believe the important factor in the success of the game will be the prompt support to the wing three-quarters and Orene gives me that option," said Hunter.

"There has been criticism of me involving the player in my equation, but the bigger and better the opponent, he has shown me he can actually front and do things that contribute to the team being successful. He is the option we have gone for. We wish to attack the opponent, we do not want to absorb."

Ai'i has played fullback for the NZ Colts, under-19's and secondary schools. While acknowledging a few rough patches this season, he was content to be still in the playing XV.

"It will be good with a bit of space and room so if I can get my hands on the ball and work to-gether with Joeli and Doug and keep that back three on song then I am sure everything will go well," said Ai'i.

Blues: Orene Ai'i, Joeli Vidiri, Iliesa Tanivula, Doug Howlett, Craig Innes, Carlos Spencer, Steve Devine, Xavier Rush, Justin Collins, Troy Flavell, Robin Brooke (capt), Dylan Mika, Craig Dowd, Davin Heaps, Paul Thomson. Reserves: Eroni Clarke, Walter Little, Mark Robinson, Finau Maka, Charles Riechelmann, Nick White, Keven Mealamu.

Highlanders: Jeff Wilson, Brendan Laney, Romi Ropati, Karl TeNana, Pita Alatini, Marc Ellis, Byron Kelleher, Paul Miller, Josh Kronfeld, John Blaikie, Simon Maling, Kelvin Middleton, Kees Meeuws, Anton Oliver (capt), Carl Hoeft. Reserves: Mathew Priscott, Rua Tipoki, Brett McCormack, Samui Vahafolau, Brendon Timmins, Joe McDonnell, Tom Willis.