By WYNNE GRAY
A decade ago, Craig Innes competed with Joe Stanley to be the All Black centre - now he is battling his son Jeremy for the same position in the Blues.
The 31-year-old Innes was picked as centre for the Blues in their opening Super 12 trial against Queensland Country midweek and he will start there again today when they play the Waratahs at Ballymore.
It is a shift in thinking and selection for Innes, who has spent the last few seasons since his return from a successful rugby league career as a second five-eighths for Auckland and the Blues.
New Blues assistant coach John Kirwan, who played on the wing outside both Innes and Joe Stanley when they were centres for Auckland and the All Blacks, believes it is time for Innes to retrace his sporting steps.
"I have a philosophy that I like my second five-eighths to be the playmaker, the guy to threaten the defences, and my centre to be the solid performer," he said.
"Craig was an outstanding centre at rugby and league and I want him to go back there."
That would leave Innes in a centre tussle with Jeremy Stanley, who has returned to rugby after a long layoff with knee trouble.
Rua Tipoki and Justin Wilson will duel at second five-eighths as Amasio Valence requires minor ankle surgery.
"We are just taking our time with Jeremy at this stage," said Kirwan.
"He had half a game the other night and we think he will get the same this weekend. We just have to be careful about him coming back from such a big injury, but the signs look promising."
One player to be given as much rugby as possible is wing Joeli Vidiri. In the last few seasons he has been nearly as heavy as Jonah Lomu and the Blues staff want to run him into form.
Talented young Mils Muliaina will also get plenty of rugby as All Black wing Doug Howlett is rested.
The Blues play the Waratahs in the curtainraiser tonight to the Reds match with the Crusaders, on a weekend when the five New Zealand franchises play Super 12 warm-up matches.
Crusaders coach Robbie Deans is taking no risks with his squad for the game against the Reds. First five-eighths Andrew Mehrtens will rest because of a groin muscle problem while Marika Vunibaka, Rico Gear, Mark Robinson and Scott Robertson will not be risked either because of injury.
"We expect him [Mehrtens] to be in good shape by the start of the regular competition," said Deans. "We are hopeful the injury will continue to respond to treatment."
Another All Black who has had a shocking run of injuries, Filo Tiatia, is unlikely to play until the second round of the Super 12 because of a strained achilles tendon. Jerry Collins will take over as No 8 for the Hurricanes when they play the Highlanders in Oamaru today.
The Chiefs are in Cootamundra, New South Wales, to play the Brumbies.
Innes to battle Stanley legacy
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.