Blues playmaker Carlos Spencer has declared he will be ready to start the Super 12 after fears he had a stress fracture in his foot.
While Spencer announced he would start Friday's opening game at Carisbrook, his intended Highlanders' opponent, Nick Evans, was forced to withdraw because of an ankle
injury.
The five-eighths' fortunes was one of the subplots for the match in which Highlanders' captain Anton Oliver will become the first New Zealander to play 100 games for his franchise.
Not long after coach Peter Sloane offered an optimistic forecast about Spencer's fitness, the five-eighths was even more assertive.
"Sweet, we'll be right," he said. "I had a bit of a hit-out yesterday and it should be good."
Asked about the foot problems which have ruled him out of any pre-season matches, Spencer said he had been forced to lay off the running for a while.
"I needed to rest it, otherwise it can go into a stress fracture. It is the start of a stress fracture if you don't give it enough rest. So I backed off and she's fine."
Both sides will be announced today, with Spencer sure to oppose Cameron McIntyre, who was picked up in the draft as one of the spare five-eighths from the Crusaders' region.
The Blues will not be able to call on three other All Blacks with Doug Howlett, Tony Woodcock and Jerome Kaino all injured, and outside back Ben Atiga is battling a hamstring strain.
That will leave Luke McAlister at centre with rookie Isa Nacewa to make his debut on the wing. The pack is likely to be the one which started the final trial game against the Waratahs.
Unlike last year, when they romped through their trial matches, the Blues have lost both practice matches this year.
"We have taken a different approach, we are a bit more laidback, but we have to push the button at the right time now or we have not got that right either," coach Sloane said.
"I would like to think this side is maturing. We are confident we have got it right."
Sloane's main concern from the final trial defeat was the way his side was beaten to and outmuscled at the breakdown. That game had confused rather than settled selections, but the same pack would be asked to start the opening game at Carisbrook.
Likely Blues XV: Mils Muliaina, Isa Nacewa, Luke McAlister, Sam Tuitupou, Joe Rokocoko, Carlos Spencer, David Gibson, Xavier Rush (capt), Daniel Braid, Angus Macdonald, Ali Williams, Bradley Mika, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Saimone Taumoepeau.
The benchmark
Most Super 12 appearances:
George Gregan 104
Anton Oliver 99
Stephen Larkham 94
Justin Marshall 92
Tana Umaga 91
Carlos Spencer 91
Carlos Spencer at training for this Friday's encounter. Picture / Kenny Rodger
Blues playmaker Carlos Spencer has declared he will be ready to start the Super 12 after fears he had a stress fracture in his foot.
While Spencer announced he would start Friday's opening game at Carisbrook, his intended Highlanders' opponent, Nick Evans, was forced to withdraw because of an ankle
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