Blowers muscles back to home patch

Andrew Blowers runs a drill at training. Sandra Mu / Getty Images

Tana Umaga may seem like the Last Man Standing of New Zealand professional rugby.

But there was another player who appeared in the first Super 12 game between the Blues and Hurricanes in Palmerston North on March 1, 1996.

And now, after a false start at the Highlanders in the Super 14 this year, Andrew Blowers is back in the blue and whites tomorrow when Auckland tackle newcomers Tasman in the Air New Zealand Cup at Eden Park.

The Blues won that opening match 10 years ago, 36-28, scoring five tries, one by their replacement flanker, A.F. Blowers.

"It was so long ago, I've forgotten," Blowers said. What he hasn't forgotten is the influence of players around him back then.

He made the All Blacks that year, playing 18 games over four years before being part of an large exodus overseas. He spent several years at Northampton and had a brief stint in Japan before returning home.

In his early years the Blues were the dominant New Zealand franchise, winning the first two Super 12 competitions. Their first lineup included 13 All Blacks - for trainspotters the odd ones out were lock Richard Fromont and wing Waisake Sotutu.

In some respects, things don't change much in New Zealand rugby. Tomorrow there are 10 All Blacks in the starting XV and four on the bench.

Blowers took a blow on the head in a pre-season game for the Highlanders, and was ruled out for the campaign.

"I've done a lot of pre-hab and the body's strong," he said yesterday.

"I got through two games in Fiji and Samoa [on Auckland's pre-season tour], and if you get through a few of the tackles over there you can get through most games."

Blowers learned his rugby in an outstanding Auckland era around the mid-1990s and now, 31 years young, he's one of the old stagers in the squad. The lessons remain, though.

"I used to go and get their autographs after games, then I had the opportunity to play with them and learn from them.

"They were guys who demanded so much at training from each other and on the field. You really had to earn your respect.

"Back then 90 per cent of the team had been there 10 years. But now the boys are young, enthusiastic and playing a good style of rugby."

As for providing leadership, Blowers modestly shrugged off his contribution, saying he tried to "lead by example rather than words".

But Auckland coach Pat Lam won't have any of that. He spent two seasons alongside Blowers in the Northampton loose forward trio and has huge praise for what he brings to the squad.

"He's a monster of a guy now. His whole physique has changed.

"But his game and whole commitment hasn't changed at all. He's got a lot of respect from these guys. He's a real leader in our team."

Indeed, life is good for Blowers. His wife Gina gave birth to their third child, Solomona, a few days ago and he's relishing being back playing rugby in his home patch.

Lam yesterday named a team with eight changes from the side who beat Manawatu in round one, plus a positional switch with versatile Isa Nacewa moving into first five-eighths.

Captain Sam Tuitupou returns from a hamstring strain and Ben Atiga partners him in the midfield, with All Blacks Doug Howlett and Joe Rokocoko on the wings.

Steve Devine replaces Taniela Moa at halfback, and John Afoa and Chris Heard start at prop.

There's a small question mark over hooker Derren Witcombe's hamstring, so Kevin Mealamu may yet start.

If not, both Mealamu and Ali Williams will get game time, but Lam won't overwork them after their tough night out in Brisbane securing the Bledisloe Cup a week ago.

"It's important we use them wisely, not only for us but also for the All Blacks".

Tasman earned respect for their gritty performance against North Harbour last weekend.

They have All Black forward kingpin Chris Jack turning out and first five-eighths Ben Gollings looks a tidy operator who will kick goals.

"They're well structured and very committed and you can see they're pumping to be in this competition. "We know they'll be right up for it," Lam said.

On paper, a win would seem beyond Tasman, but judging by their effort against Harbour, they appeal as a group who learn at every step.

Auckland v Tasman
Eden Park, 2.35pm tomorrow

Auckland
Brent Ward, Doug Howlett, Ben Atiga, Sam Tuitupou (c), Joe Rokocoko, Isa , cewa, Steve Devine, Andrew Blowers, Daniel Braid, Jerome Kaino, Joe Tekori, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Derren Witcombe, Chris Heard
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Nick White, Ali Williams, Brad Mika, Taniela Moa, Lachie Munro, Isaia Toeava.

Tasman
Robbie Malneek, Lucky Mulipola, Peter Playford, Aaron Kimura, Iliesa Durrant, Ben Gollings, Kahn Fotuali'i, Cory Holdaway, Jonathan Poff, Mark Bright, George Naoupu, Chris Jack, Ben May, Ti'i Paulo (c), John Brooks
Reserves: Daniel Perrin, Tristan Moran, Chris Bentley, Alex Ainley, James King, Saul Luamanuvae, Tim Taylor.