Nick Evans has been named in the Blues' run-on side to face the Stormers. Photo / Getty Images
Nick Evans has overcome a head injury to be named in the Blues team for a Super 14 rugby match against the Stormers on Saturday.
It had been feared Evans would be ruled out of contention after receiving a heavy knock to the head in his team's loss
to Western Force last weekend.
"Nick has come through all his testing this week so at this stage we're comfortable naming him in our lineup," coach David Nucifora said today.
Nucifora has responded to the loss to the Force by making a number of changes for the match in Auckland, including the placement of All Blacks winger Joe Rokocoko on the reserves bench.
Openside flanker Daniel Braid will make his first appearance of the season after recovering from a shoulder injury, leaving Justin Collins to begin the game among the reserves.
Prop Nick White has been named to start ahead of Tony Woodcock, who is another named on a strong reserves bench.
"This is just a chance for Nick to start the game rather than finish it.
"The same applies to Joe Rokocoko and Rudi Wulf. Rudi will start while Joe rests up before making his impact off the bench later in the match."
Fullback George Pisi will run out in the starting 15 for the first time this year.
"George had a shoulder operation during the off-season and has been on the bench in our first few rounds. Now he is ready to start at 15 and deserves the opportunity."
The locks have also been rotated, with Kurtis Haiu starting and Bryn Evans moving to the bench.
Blues
George Pisi, Anthony Tuitavake, Isaia Toeava, Benson Stanley, Rudi Wulf, Nick Evans, Danny Lee, Nick Evans, Daniel Braid, Jerome Kaino, Troy Flavell (captain), Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Nick White.
Reserves: Tom McCartney, Tony Woodcock, Bryn Evans, Justin Collins, Taniela Moa, Ben Atiga, Joe Rokocoko.
- NZPA
