KEY POINTS:
Blues rugby coach David Nucifora has made sweeping changes to his run-on team against the Stormers to ensure fatigue and tiredness weren't factors in Sunday's (NZ time) Super 14 match against the Stormers.
"We've had a big week. Last week's hard game followed by the substantial travel to
get here (Cape Town) means I need to put some fresh bodies on the field," Nucifora said after naming his team today.
He said he was confident his side could win against the Stormers at Newlands after they were beaten 25-32 by the Sharks in a bruiser last week.
"Right from the start the Blues' season has been about squad performance. I have full confidence in all our players to deliver what's expected of them.
"We are conscious of the toll travel takes on the players and it is just another factor that needs to be considered in player management."
The changes have seen last week's inside back combination of Steve Devine and Isa Nacewa moved to the bench, with David Gibson and David Holwell starting in their places, along with Keven Mealamu (hooker), No 8 Nick Williams, second five-eighth Sam Tuitupou and winger Joe Rokocoko among others.
Meanwhile, the Stormers have been trying to show a united front after reports of a rift in the team following their 12-49 loss to the Bulls last week.
Coach Kobus van der Merwe sat between captain Luke Watson and Springbok Schalk Burger, with Jean de Villiers well to the side at a media conference yesterday to show there was support for Watson as captain after reports said most of the players preferred Burger to lead the side.
De Villiers, who was rested last week, is back in the team to face the Blues. He replaces Corne Uys in the starting line-up.
Springboks halfback Bolla Conradie has been dropped and JP Joubert will start at No 9.
Ross Skeate replaces injured Andries Bekker at lock, Tiaan Liebenberg takes over at hooker from Schalk Brits and Schalk Ferreira will be a loosehead prop to enable JD Moller to recover from a few bumps and bruises.
Blues:
George Pisi, Anthony Tuitavake, Isaia Toeava, Sam Tuitupou, Joe Rokocoko, David Holwell, David Gibson, Nick Williams, Daniel Braid, Jerome Kaino, Troy Flavell, Ali Williams, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Derren Witcombe, Nick White, Greg Rawlinson, Justin Collins, Rudi Wulf, Steve Devine, Isa Nacewa.
- NZPA
