Lee Stensness: Change as good as a rest for the Blues

Is the first-five the most important position on the rugby field? I say that the referee is, given the subjective nature of many of the rugby laws, but in terms of the players, yes, the first-five is the most important.

The first-five is the director of play and the key decision-maker. The halfback may touch the ball more often in a match but, as any first-five worth his salt will say, the number 10 is the boss.

He can see the whole field, or should be able to, whereas the halfback is in there yapping at the forwards looking for the ball.

The coach and the captain set strategies and tactics but ultimately the first-five decides whether the ball goes wide, stays close or is kicked. Change the first-five and change a team's style of play, it can be as simple as that.

With one personnel change, a different style of play can be achieved without disrupting the rest of the team.

Surely a team must be disrupted if the style of play is changed? Not necessarily. If the other combinations and familiarities remain settled, the players simply perform a different range of activities - more lineouts, less breakdowns or a more or less expansive game, player units adapt to suit. Crucial combinations such as hookers/jumpers, number eight/halfback, second five/centre and the back three remain unaffected but the overall style of the team can be altered.

The classic example of a one-player change meaning two game-styles is the old Fox vs Botica chestnut. The changing of no other single position has potentially as significant an effect on a team's style.

For the Blues swapping Carlos Spencer for Tasesa Lavea does not drastically alter the team's style, as the two play with similar skill-sets, close to the defensive line with many variations of kick. However, it surely sent a clear message that no one is guaranteed their position.

Benching Spencer, the iconic Blues player, definitely sent a clear message to the other players. The Blues have improved since the Crusaders match.

Most importantly, they have been winning, though the draw has been kind, pitting them against the travel-weary "zero points" Brumbies, and two low-table South African teams.

Opposition quality aside, they have won through playing with increased urgency. Captain Xavier Rush initiates much of this with quick taps, vigorous runs and attacking tackles; he is at his best when he plays and leads this way.

The urgency in the Blues play, accentuated by quick lineouts, relies on and utilises their athleticism. Though the Blues backs are highly athletic, the forward pack is also packed with athletes.

Last week, versus the rigid Cats, Keven Mealamu and Brad Mika - a hooker and a lock - combined to score from halfway.

The Blues are playing with a tempo and style which, against better sides, if not executed with accuracy and with the same urgency, will be high-risk. But they possess the individual and collective skills to pull it off if they continue to want to, regardless of who is the first-five.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY