Blues’ woes deep-rooted says Nucifora

David Nucifora has a tough task turning around the Blues' season. Picture / Kenny Rodger

The Blues' woes were partly camouflaged during the wall-to-wall coverage of the Commonwealth Games.

But that protection disappeared yesterday as inquiries into the Blues' malaise deepened in the wake of their latest display of ineptitude against the Waratahs.

Coach David Nucifora spoke about recurring historical troubles in the franchise impeding progress, although he declined to be specific.

Some players had been unable to adhere to the game plan and there would be consequent alterations for Friday's match at Eden Park against the Bulls.

Other sources wondered if the lack of chemistry was an echo of troubles which saw Nucifora fired in the middle of the Brumbies' march to the 2004 title. Part of the problem was that Nucifora wanted them to play percentage rugby. Senior players bristled because they did not like to be stifled.

A variation on that theme has been canvassed by some in the Blues who feel the restrictive approach this season is counter-productive, that it does not suit the squad's soul or skills. Their problem is that, unlike the Brumbies, they are arguing from a position of weakness. It is a concept Nucifora has rejected. He has been emphatic his strategies will remain.

"We will fight like hell to claw our way into the semifinals but some of the improvements we need on the field are going to take that little bit of time and we are working hard on that," he said.

He contested the notion that his coaching methods had failed to connect with the team. Reaching one play-off in the last seven seasons showed there were deeper issues for the Blues to address.

Others point to flawed squad selections which have not matched the game plan - although that has been difficult to identify during so many ragged performances.

If the plan is based on attrition and possession, why were ball-carriers like Bradley Mika and Sam Tuitupou overlooked for the squad?

Nucifora has resisted selection changes even though the players cannot deliver what he wants. Doesn't that imply flawed initial choices, a lack of trust in the backup or not picking a style to suit the players?

Nucifora admitted there would be team changes this week but could not elaborate because of an injury list that included Doug Howlett, Viliame Waqaseduadua, Luke McAlister, Steve Devine, Daniel Braid, Troy Flavell and Ali Williams.

"Of our losses this year, this [43-9 defeat by the Waratahs] was the most gut-wrenching for us as a team because I do believe as a team we didn't front up and we have to take responsibility for that," Nucifora said.

"There will be some fallout from Friday night. I have to give some others the opportunity."

There had been no extra heat from the Blues board and he was comfortable that they understood what he was trying to achieve.

"If we are really going to solve some problems here then we have to knuckle down to some long-term problems," Nucifora added. "Now is not the time to talk about it but I have some ideas about what we need to do."

Friday's selections will be governed by medical reports. Forward options are lean but Flavell could shift to lock to raise the pack's resistance.

Junior Poluleuligaga offers some size at halfback or Steve Devine who could serve McAlister at first five-eighths with Isa Nacewa alongside him, a combination which would offer a cutting edge and some chance the ball might get wide to the underemployed.

"We have not gone from a reasonable team to a bad one in one week but I do expect there will be changes," Nucifora said.