DURBAN - The Blues will have a full contingent of fit players to choose from for Sunday morning's (NZ time) Super 14 rugby semifinal against the Sharks after Anthony Boric arrived today to replace the disgraced Ali Williams.
Boric and Williams crossed paths briefly at Johannesburg Airport, withAll Blacks lock Williams preparing for an embarrassing return to New Zealand after being sent home by Blues management for "behaviour issues".
Williams' departure is a bombshell from which the Blues will need to recover if they are to threaten the table-topping Sharks at Absa Stadium.
Coach David Nucifora was to front media on the topic tomorrow morning (NZ time) but all indications are that he won't shed further light on Williams' indiscretions above what was revealed yesterday.
Injured second five-eighths Luke McAlister and Sam Tuitupou didn't make the trip, but otherwise manager Ant Strachan told NZPA the squad here were all fit and available for selection after completing a light run today.
Promising North Harbour lock/loose forward Boric is unlikely to start, with Nucifora sure to stick with his trusty pairing of captain Troy Flavell and Greg Rawlinson.
Who wears 12 will provide a fascinating conundrum for Nucifora, with Isa Nacewa, Isaia Toeava and Anthony Tuitavake all prospects.
Assistant coach Joe Schmidt said Tuitupou had made good progress recovering from his neck injury but it wasn't deemed a wise move to put him on after a long flight to Durban.
It may well mark the end of Tuitupou's Super 14 career as he has signed with English club, Worcester, whom he will join after this year's Air New Zealand Cup.
The Blues will name their team on Thursday, as will the Crusaders who arrived here tonight ahead of the other Super 14 semifinal, against the Bulls at Pretoria on Sunday morning (NZ time).
