Rugby: Blues remain weakened up front as Lions prowl

All Black lock Ali Williams says he is hoping to stay in New Zealand until after the 2011 World Cup. Photo / Dean Purcell

No Tony Woodcock, no Ali Williams and perhaps no Taniela Moa for the Blues when they resume their unforgiving search for the Super 14 playoffs with a Good Friday meeting with the Lions.

The All Black tight forwards are improving from their illness and injury but at best will return the following week while Moa's selection at halfback depends on a New Zealand Rugby Union inquiry into his conduct. Moa was allegedly involved in an incident where a bottle was thrown at a rugby club in Auckland on March 28.

Wing Rudi Wulf, who has been out all season with a broken arm, got through some club rugby action and will be available while flankers Josh Blackie and Justin Collins have overcome their leg injuries to be considered for this Eden Park match.

Woodcock's viral infection was still affecting his balance and he had lost some condition though he was at training yesterday. He was making progress and said he felt much improved after missing the last few games.

All Black coaches Graham Henry and Wayne Smith were among the interested onlookers as they started their week's inspection of the franchise.

"I had to get diagrams drawn up," Blues coach Pat Lam said of his loosehead's illness. "I thought he'd get some medicine and then let's go but it is an unusual viral one. It is very rare and not good timing for us."

The Blues regrouped yesterday after a five-day break with their next match against a Lions side who gave the Chiefs a huge fright.

The Lions showed what they were capable of in Hamilton. They liked to attack and had their hosts under pressure for large chunks of the game and know it could make their tour if they won at Eden Park.

"There is a good buzz and excitement and that is key. We just have to target this game and we have to give it all because we are pretty much in finals rugby I would say," Lam added.

"The plan is hopefully to make them deflated in the game but on the day we have to make sure we front.

"What we have talked about is don't look at the table, don't look at anyone else, we just have to look at ourselves and start fronting and performing. There have been some good honest sessions over the last week or so and having the break has brought the excitement to put that into place."

Lessons from the loss to the Waratahs were all about protecting possession, otherwise the flow-on effects were debilitating throughout the team. At training, the Blues showed some impressive teamwork but they had only transferred that in patches to their games.

It was helpful to have the All Black coaches around this week to bounce ideas, check concepts and talk through rugby issues.

"Even when they are not here we are always in contact, obviously they have a vested interest in the players and all New Zealand teams doing well and it is a real bonus to have them here," Lam said.