Blues reluctant to axe Tongan prop

By WYNNE GRAY

Tighthead prop Tevita Taumoepeau may be banned from playing in Australia but Blues officials are reluctant to discard him from the Super 12 squad.

The Tongan test player missed the chance to confirm his Blues selection in trial matches in Queensland because Australian immigration officials would not give him a visa.

This was because Taumoepeau apparently was involved in an incident several years ago in Australia. The three Blues trial games in Queensland were supposed to be his final selection hurdle.

However, Blues chief executive David White said the Tongan international had not been abandoned. The Blues hoped to get him a game this weekend and were also hopeful the visa decision would be overturned.

"We hope to get a decision next week," said White.

The Blues play one Super 12 pool game in Australia against the Waratahs on March 31.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs have selected three temporary replacements for halfback Rhys Duggan (broken wrist), fullback Todd Miller (knee) and prop Denis Hazelton (ankle).

National sevens captain Karl Te Nana will cover wing and fullback, rookie halfback Isaac Boss comes in, and Northland prop Tim Knight will continue with the squad.

New Zealand's Super 12 squads

2001 Super 12 schedule