Rugby: Blues forced to juggle resources

Pat Lam. Photo / Brett Phibbs

All sides have their pressure points.

The Blues were exposed pre-season when senior lock Ali Williams was injured and they are now feeling equally at risk in midfield.

Centre Isaia Toeava has damaged a hamstring, and sorting out a replacement has become a bit of a mission ahead of the side's Saturday clash with the Reds in Brisbane.

"We will certainly have to juggle our resources," coach Pat Lam said.

He wanted to see how Anthony Tuitavake scrubbed up after returning to the development side at the weekend.

His other options were to switch duties for Paul Williams, Rudi Wulf or Rene Ranger, as George Pisi and Luke McAlister remain out with injuries.

The Blues' victory against the Highlanders reversed their opening-round troubles, but a chunk of the resulting euphoria was wiped away with the verdict on Toeava's leg injury and the manner of the Reds' victory against the Crusaders.

"That was some performance, and I knew they would be a different team this year with Ewen McKenzie coaching them," said Lam. "He knows his stuff, and the week before they should have beaten the Waratahs.

"All their systems have changed and we will find them and conditions in Brisbane a big challenge. At least we have been training and playing here in high humidity, so that will help."

The Blues were relieved to turn around their first-round loss to the Hurricanes and had shown more collective responsibility than they delivered in that game.

Captain Keven Mealamu and five-eighths Stephen Brett had shown they were key leaders when the Blues were trailing at Carisbrook. They had offered composure and direction, but others had also stepped up.

The side retained their self-belief, but it would have been extra-tough travelling to Brisbane after twin defeats.

The Blues rallied at Carisbrook on the back of two second-half tries. The first involved a huge slice of good fortune as Paul Williams converted his kick, which had been charged down.

The Blues built on that pressure and Ranger scored almost immediately to give the Blues a handy lead.

But they were unable to kill off the home side, and when Ranger was sinbinned late, the Blues needed all their courage and spirit to scramble to victory.

"It certainly leaves us in touch with the competition, but the Reds will be a serious challenge in Brisbane," Lam said.

The Reds will be without senior lock and captain James Horwill, who will not play again this year after damaging his knee. Halfback Will Genia will take over as leader.

Five-eighths Quade Cooper is in a positive mood after his star-class effort against the Crusaders.

Van Humphries will return from a head knock to play lock against the Blues this week with the venue shifting from Suncorp Stadium to Ballymore.