Rugby: Blues stars return to training

Ali Williams is ecpected to play for the Blues next week. Photo / Getty Images

The Blues' biggest names are gradually getting back into training as they prepare for the Super 14, which starts in mid-February.

Coach Pat Lam's team to play the Hurricanes in a warm-up match in the Wairarapa community of Mangatainoka on Saturday included only two players who went with the All Blacks to Europe in November, lock Anthony Boric and flanker Jerome Kaino.

Both were named on the bench for the match and Lam said Boric in particular would be given game time on Saturday.

The Blues have also been gradually working three injured players back into the team - captain Keven Mealamu, lock Ali Williams and utility back Isaia Toeava.

Also due back into the team next week are All Blacks tourists John Afoa and Luke McAlister, while prop Tony Woodcock will start a little later.

Lam said the team hadn't picked up any further injuries in summer training.

"It's more the guys who had long injuries last year, making sure we get the timing of their return right," he said.

"Ali and Kevie were out there, they've had a few contact sessions building into it, then they'll get a bit of game time next week."

Perhaps the main interest on the field will be the first match for the new halfback-first five combination of Alby Mathewson and Stephen Brett, drafted into the team from Wellington and Canterbury respectively.

"They're excited to get out there and have a run around with the Blues jersey on with the boys," Lam said.

"They've contributed really well, and most importantly the boys have made them really welcome and they feel part of this and they feel good. They want to get out there and have a run."

Mathewson said the combination was not proving difficult.

"I've played with him before in the New Zealand Colts in 2006 and with the Junior All Blacks last year. We're pretty good mates so it's pretty easy to fit together."

Mathewson's first Blues match pits him against many of his old teammates, but he doesn't expect too much of a ribbing.

"The main instigator is Cory Jane and he's not there," he said.

"We'll have to wait till the first game of the season, but I'm sure there'll be a bit of trying to get me back."

The Blues and the Hurricanes play each other again in the first Super 14 match of 2010 in just over three weeks on February 12.

- NZPA