Blues await Braid test with trepidation

The Blues face further strain today with solitary specialist flanker Daniel Braid needing a fitness test before the selectors can settle on a side for the next Super 14 challenge from the Brumbies.

If Braid is ruled out, coach David Nucifora will have to turn to the utility talents of Angus Macdonald to counter the Brumbies world-class breakaway George Smith.

The options are restricted because Justin Collins is out of the series after achilles tendon surgery and his replacement, Onosai Tololima-Auva'a, is at the Commonwealth Games with the sevens squad. Doug Howlett, who was also expected to be at the Games, is a doubtful starter for this match because of his hamstring troubles.

Five-eighths Luke McAlister has resumed training after fracturing his jaw in the second round but has had minimal contact work and is likely to be kept until the following match against the Waratahs.

There is some optimism that midfielder Ben Atiga will be available after suffering mouth and dental damage in a freak training accident in the gym.

But most attention today will be on Braid and whether he can survive a stringent run after being on light duties with a tender hamstring. Braid's high workrate, speed and specialist knowledge of his role are crucial for the Blues in countering Smith's impact for the Brumbies.

After three consecutive away games, the Blues return to Eden Park on Saturday where they need a drastic reversal in form and results.

Forecasts suggest they need to win seven of their remaining nine games to qualify for the playoffs, a task which starts against the undefeated Brumbies.

The visitors have lost exciting midfielder Matt Giteau to the Commonwealth Games with his place expected to go to Gene Fairbanks.

Injured fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper is recovering strongly from ankle trouble and may return to the squad while halfback George Gregan's bruised hip has healed.

The rest of the Brumbies star contingent - Stirling Mortlock, Mark Gerrard, Stephen Larkham, Smith and Mark Chisholm - are all fit for the match.

The Brumbies will not arrive until late tomorrow because they have decided this season to delay their departure for away games to complete all their training in Canberra. The Brumbies have all but three of their last eight games at home.