Rugby: Kirwan changes up plan for Sydney

Daniel Bowden is back after a foot injury. Photo / NZME.

In bid to stop losing streak, coach brings back Bowden and runs his All Blacks

John Kirwan has decided not to rest some of his All Blacks for tomorrow's match against the Waratahs after all, but there has been no hesitation in putting Dan Bowden into first-five now that, finally, he is fit again.

Bowden, who suffered a foot injury in a pre-season match, has not been available for any of the Blues' five defeats this season.

A new signing for the Blues this year, he travelled to South Africa with the rest of the team after the opening loss to the Chiefs, only to return after the Stormers match because there was no improvement in a ligament problem which has tested his patience to the limit.

Now he will replace Ihaia West in the No10 jersey, with Kirwan putting his faith in Bowden's experience to direct what on paper looks a well-balanced backline around Sydney's Allianz Stadium. For Bowden it is a chance to make a meaningful contribution to a Blues' season going downhill fast.

"I was the definition of 'Food Bill' for a while," he said. "I went over there [Cape Town], ate in the hotel, went for a swim, did some weights. It was a mini holiday but it was frustrating. I tried to get on the park against the Stormers but the training runs didn't go well enough and after the game I came home. It was a tough few weeks mentally trying to get right, a tough few months really - not being fit and watching things not go our way. You can't contribute and I feel for the boys."

It has been five years since Bowden played Super Rugby. His last team were the Crusaders, and before that he represented the Highlanders.

In the now 28-year-old's final year with the Crusaders he impressed hugely playing outside Dan Carter, and many thought he left for a contract at London Irish too soon.

Bowden has said that he enjoyed his time at London Irish and, later, Leicester Tigers and Yamaha in Japan, but there may be a lingering tinge of regret that a chance to wear the black jersey was also given away. The fact that All Black No10s kept dropping a year later at the 2011 World Cup must have created some mixed emotions to say the least.

But now he is back and is likely to add some better decision-making to an attack which needs direction. West is an exciting ball runner, but has made some poor choices this season.

Kirwan said: "We're really happy with Ihaia's progression - we think he's getting better and better - but we brought Dan in for his experience in running a football team ... we really want that experience for the position we're in at the moment.

"He's been in big situations before. He's a seasoned professional."

Kirwan's original plan for this match was to rest All Blacks Charlie Faumuina, Charles Piutau and James Parsons in line with New Zealand Rugby's World Cup strategy. However, the Blues' dire position - dead last of 15 teams - has prompted a re-think.

"The original plan was the Waratahs and possibly another away game, but we've had to rethink that and take our season one game at a time," Kirwan said.

"We're under a little bit of scoreboard pressure so we have to get back on the winning track first."