In-form number 10s key for Blues and Sharks

Two first five-eighths at opposite ends of their career but both in rare touch will play influential roles for the Sharks and Blues in their Super 14 rugby match at Durban on Sunday morning NZ time.

Blues No 10 Luke McAlister made a stunning return to his favoured position in last week's demolition of the Western Force.

Sharks opposite Tony Brown has had a profound impact since arriving with the South African franchise from Japan in round three.

That week the Sharks very nearly toppled the dominant Crusaders and former All Blacks pivot Brown has since helped lift them to sixth place, level with the Blues on 22 points.

For both in-form teams, defeat on Sunday will probably end their playoff hopes.

Blues coach David Nucifora admitted Brown had brought control to a young Sharks side.

"He's an experienced player so I'm sure he's had an influence, and he plays in a fairly influential position as well," Nucifora said.

"He does direct around them around the field and it's rubbing off on them, they're a fairly confident team at the moment."

Brown played down his role in the Sharks' 36-8 hammering of the Cats last week, even though he directed play with vision and accuracy.

"The whole team is starting to play well, and we are playing a good style of rugby that everyone enjoys and is committed to," he told the Sharks website.

"It's a nice feeling knowing there is still something to play for.

"It's obviously a big game this weekend and I think whichever side wins this game, will probably go to fifth on the log, and probably be the team that will push the (fourth placed) Brumbies."

The Sharks have won three of their last five games, with their losses only narrow ones away to the Hurricanes and Brumbies.

The Blues have won their last three, all at home, but a repeat of McAlister's brilliance last week may well be needed if the Blues are to continue their streak in the first of a three-game South African tour.

Nucifora hoped another electric game could be unleashed.

"Luke hadn't had a full game under his belt for quite a while so he did quite well (against the Force). We'd expect him to keep improving from that performance," he said.

Nucifora yesterday announced four changes to his side, and made two positional shuffles to cover for injured flanker Troy Flavell and suspended second five-eighth Rua Tipoki.

Isa Nacewa shifts infield to wear the No 12 jersey with Doug Howlett coming in on the wing.

Ali Williams comes in at lock, with Anthony Boric shuffling to Flavell's flanker spot.

In two straight changes, centre Anthony Tuitavake and prop Tony Woodcock come in for Ben Atiga and Saimone Taumoepeau.

- NZPA