Rugby: Cunning ploy works for Blues

Tony Woodcock. Photo / Getty Images

A week ago Blues loosehead prop Tony Woodcock was not considered fit enough for Super 14 combat.

Coach Pat Lam benched his test prop but on the evidence of his substitute work against the Reds, has reinstated him for tomorrow's duel with the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Sports psychology, coaching instincts, sharp practice or rat cunning? It doesn't matter but the ploy worked sufficiently well for the coach and Woodcock to be in selection sync for this weekend's heavyweight clash.

Lam acknowledged he had benched the veteran of 87 Super games to try to spark his mental approach. He was relieved the ploy had worked.

When Woodcock came on for most of the second half at Ballymore he made nine from nine tackles and showed renewed enthusiasm. That experience would be crucial for tomorrow's clash in Christchurch.

"We saw Woody the way we wanted to see Woody play," Lam said.

The reality was that the Blues needed everyone to be 100 per cent for each game of this campaign and Woodcock had responded by showing his international calibre. He had trained and prepared even harder and shown he was determined to regain his place.

The 29-year-old had shown a world-class response and shift in attitude.

"Yeah, that's what it is," said Lam. "At this level most guys are physically fit and it is just making sure you get the game fitness as well.

"It is the mental side of it and if you are there, and he was right on it, and I saw a total difference and, like I said, he deserves his place this week against the Crusaders."

In the other change Viliame Ma'afu returns at No 8 in place of the injured Peter Saili while makeshift centre Rene Ranger keeps his place with Isaia Toeava needing more time to recover from his hip injury.

The Crusaders have also made twin alterations with Richie McCaw returning to the team as captain and blindside flanker because Thomas Waldrom withdrew with an Achilles tendon problem.

In the front row, Owen Franks replaces his injured brother and will square up in an All Black duel against Woodcock while internationals John Afoa and Wyatt Crockett will test their craft on the other side of the scrum.

Afoa has recovered from a tender calf muscle and survived a fitness test to make the trip to Christchurch for a forward battle which would be a massive part of this grudge contest.

"It is no secret, set piece is crucial, lineouts and scrummaging. The quality of the ball will determine who can play better rugby," Lam said.

This game would be another step in Stephen Brett's development.

Ranger was a natural talent whose instincts had to be encouraged. He had played well last week when he had to fill in and he had to be helped with the systems used at centre rather than his regular position on the wing.

Christchurch, 7.35pm tomorrow

CRUSADERS
Jared Payne
Sean Maitland
Robbie Fruean
Ryan Crotty
Zac Guildford
Daniel Carter
Andy Ellis
Kieran Read
George Whitelock
Richie McCaw (c)
Sam Whitelock
Brad Thorn
Owen Franks
Ti'i Paulo
Wyatt Crockett

BLUES
Paul Williams
Joe Rokocoko
Rene Ranger
Benson Stanley
Rudi Wulf
Stephen Brett
Alby Mathewson
Viliame Ma'afu
Serge Lilo
Jerome Kaino
Anthony Boric
Kurtis Haiu
John Afoa
K Mealamu (c)
Tony Woodcock

Crusaders: Corey Flynn, Peter Borlase, Isaac Ross, Jonathon Poff, Kahn Fotuali'i, Adam Whitelock, Colin Slade.

Blues: Tom McCartney, Charlie Faumuina, Filo Paulo, Tom Chamberlain, Chris Smylie, Daniel Kirkpatrick, George Pisi.