Rugby: Key players back in time

Jimmy Gopperth will be back at first five-eighths in place of the injured Tasesa Lavea. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The timely return of halfback Taniela Moa and prop Tony Woodcock should help the Blues plug two yawning gaps for their showdown with the in-form Highlanders at Eden Park tomorrow.

After sitting out last week's victory over the Lions while an investigation was conducted into his off-field behaviour, Moa was last night cleared to return to the side.

An NZRU disciplinary hearing into a bottle-throwing incident at the Marist rugby club last month ruled that Moa needed to complete an alcohol counselling programme, which he has commenced.

He has written an apology to the woman involved as well as to the Marist rugby club and will undertake community rugby activities.

He has also received a formal warning and has been fined $1200.

NZRU general manager of professional rugby Neil Sorensen said Moa also appeared in the Auckland District Court yesterday charged with assault and was granted diversion.

With back-up halfback Chris Smylie likely gone for the season with a serious hamstring injury, Moa's return to combat Jimmy Cowan's influence appears crucial to the Blues' chances of breaking the visitors' three-match winning run.

The same could be said of loosehead prop Tony Woodcock who is in line to play his first match since the round four defeat by the Sharks. Woodcock's participation is dependent on his continued good health as he recovers from an inner-ear infection that has affected his balance and vision.

But with tighthead mainstay John Afoa (ankle) now on the injured list, there is no doubt the Blues will be desperate to field the vastly experienced Woodcock against the massive Highlanders pack.

Woodcock has been named to start alongside 22-year-old rookie Charlie Faumuina, who switches from loosehead to tighthead for what is just his second Super rugby start.

If Woodcock's vision and balance are up to it, he will play. If not, his place will go to Tevita Mailau, leaving the Blues in serious danger of being outmuscled at scrum time by hulking Highlanders props Jamie Mackintosh and Clint Newland.

Woodcock admitted he couldn't be certain his ailment wouldn't affect his performance if he did play.

"I wouldn't say I'm 100 just yet. But the body is feeling all right. It is nothing to do with the body, as such, just poor balance and vision."

With no fitness test scheduled, Woodcock will likely decide himself whether or not he will take the field.

"It is just whatever my eyes are doing. We'll just have to wait and see."

Afoa's absence after a 67-match playing streak hadn't been a factor in his return, Woodcock said.

"John's injury hasn't got anything to do with what is happening with me. I wanted to play last week, I just wasn't able to. This week I am feeling a lot better and am hopefully going to be available."

The other major change sees Jimmy Gopperth return at first five-eighths in place of the injured Tasesa Lavea. Lavea made a strong return against the Lions but hobbled off later on and initial hopes he would be fit to face the Highlanders proved false.

There is still no sign of senior lock Ali Williams, who is continuing to battle an Achilles problem.

Eden Park, 7.35pm tomorrow

BLUES
Paul Williams
Joe Rokocoko
Anthony Tuitavake
Isaia Toeava
Rudi Wulf
Jimmy Gopperth
Taniela Moa
Jerome Kaino
Josh Blackie
Chris Lowrey
Anthony Boric
Kurtis Haiu
Charlie Faumuina
Keven Mealamu
Woodcock/Mailau

HIGHLANDERS
Israel Dagg
Ben Smith
Jason Shoemark
Daniel Bowden
Fetu'u Vainikolo
Mathew Berquist
Jimmy Cowan (c)
George Naoupu
Alando Soakai
Adam Thomson
Tom Donnelly
Josh Bekhuis
Clint Newland
David Hall
Jamie Mackintosh

Blues: Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau/James Afoa, Jay Williams, Peter Saili, Grayson Hart, Michael Hobbs, Rene Ranger.

Highlanders: Jason Rutledge, Chris King, Hayden Triggs, Steven Setephano, Sean Romans, Johnny Leota, Kendrick Lynn.