KEY POINTS:
The Blues have adhered to the maxim of not changing a winning side. They have rediscovered how to win and collect precious Super 14 bonus points and will put that recipe to a pressure-cooker test tomorrow against the Hurricanes.
It was certainly no time for any tinkering, such
as making room for the utility talents of Isaia Toeava. Late series patterns which evolved from the narrow loss to the Crusaders into wins against the Reds and Highlanders have demanded selection stability.
Coach David Nucifora responded yesterday with his choice for the cut-throat match at Eden Park.
"The team is performing well and we see no need for change," he said.
"We have stuck with the same forward pack for most of the year and they have produced some excellent results. We've been happy with our scrum and lineout in the last couple of weeks and it's good to have continuity going into a big game."
The Hurricanes did not have the same luxury when the inviting prospect of Neemia Tialata's contest with Tony Woodcock was shortcircuited by the Hurricanes prop's suspension for a dangerous tackle.
Tialata's ban meant a frontrow rearrangement with Tim Fairbrother swapping to the tighthead duties and one-test All Black John Schwalger picked at loosehead.
When rugged blindside flanker Jerry Collins declared himself fit after three weeks recovering from a rib injury there was no doubt about coach Colin Cooper's response. No matter how well Scott Waldrom had been playing he had to make way for Collins in a revamped loose forward division.
Bryce Lawrence will referee the match which Eden Park officials predict will attract a crowd of more than 30,000.
Both sides have stepped up their standards in recent weeks which makes this game and the result so intriguing.
If the Blues falter it will be farewell for outgoing coach Nucifora and captain Troy Flavell, while Isa Nacewa, Nick Evans and David Smith have also confirmed their departures. Assistant coach Greg Cooper, Daniel Braid, Ben Atiga and Nick Williams are also tipped for overseas deals, while Justin Collins and Danny Lee may not be available for next year's series.
The Blues have qualified for one playoff series under Nucifora's command while the Hurricanes have reached the playoffs three times in Cooper's five years of coaching.
This match doubles as a national trial for many with the All Blacks panel always keen to judge contenders under the intense pressure of such a crucial encounter.
The Blues scrum has been one of the best in the competition. While Woodcock and Keven Mealamu are sure to be returned to the All Blacks, tighthead prop John Afoa is pushing to fill the vacancy left by Carl Hayman.
The loose forwards' contest should be scorching while the midfield comparisons offer plenty of intrigue.
Ma'a Nonu has reduced his mistake rate while Conrad Smith has been steady. For the Blues, new man Benson Stanley has been ultra-reliable at second five-eighths while Anthony Tuitavake has shown spark at centre.
Eden Park, 7.35pm tomorrow
BLUES
Nick Evans
David Smith
Anthony Tuitavake
Benson Stanley
Rudi Wulf
Isa Nacewa
Taniela Moa
Nick Williams
Daniel Braid
Jerome Kaino
Troy Flavell (c)
Anthony Boric
John Afoa
Keven Mealamu
Tony Woodcock
HURRICANES
Cory Jane
Hosea Gear
Conrad Smith
Ma'a Nonu
Zac Guildford
Willie Ripia
Piri Weepu
R. So'oialo (c)
Chris Masoe
Jerry Collins
Jason Eaton
Jeremy Thrush
Tim Fairbrother
Andrew Hore
John Schwalger
Blues: Nick White, Bronson Murray, Kurtis Haiu, Justin Collins, Danny Lee, Isaia Toeava, Ben Atiga.
Hurricanes: Hikawera Elliot, Jacob Ellison, Craig Clarke, Scott Waldrom, Alby Mathewson, Jimmy Gopperth, Tamati Ellison.
