Rugby: Lowrey gets his chance for Blues

Chris Lowrey. Photo / Getty Images

Chris Lowrey carried some serious rugby promise after his inaugural Blues season. There was something about the No 8 that suggested he would make significant strides in the game.

However injury, illness, personal dramas and competition combined to tear at his progress and his repeat selection this year might have occupied some time at the selection table.

In the end that leap of faith meant Lowrey was picked in an expanded group of players who could play No 8 alongside Mat Luamanu, Peter Saili and Brad Mika while All Black loose forward Jerome Kaino could also handle the role.

However Lowrey has jumped to the head of the queue with his selection to start the Blues' final trial tomorrow night against the Chiefs at Pukekohe, in advance of their opening Super Rugby clash against the Crusaders.

Both sides have chosen near full-strength lineups to start the match with the Chiefs getting some work from Mils Muliaina and Stephen Donald while the Blues are getting more miles into Ali Williams' frame.

"This is pretty close [to our best XV] though there are still positions up for grabs. Obviously all the All Blacks need another hit out and we are getting close," coach Pat Lam said.

Lowrey had shown out in pre-season training, he was over the injury niggles and had shown out well in trial matches against the Highlanders and Hurricanes. "Condition-wise Chris is in the best shape out of all of them so he gets that opportunity now," Lam said.

Luke McAlister would get his chance to start at No 10 and show his credentials in duelling for the first five-eighths role with Stephen Brett while a number of other backs were being asked to show their versatility.

Mika was recovering strongly from his knee injury and should be considered from about round five if he managed to get through some matches with the development squad.

Pukekohe, 7.30pm tomorrow

BLUES
Jared Payne
Joe Rokocoko
Rene Ranger
Benson Stanley
Isaia Toeava
Luke McAlister
Alby Mathewson
Chris Lowrey
Daniel Braid
Jerome Kaino
Ali Williams
Anthony Boric
John Afoa
Keven Mealamu
Tony Woodcock

CHIEFS
Mils Muliaina
Lelia Masaga
Jackson Willison
Tana Umaga
Sitiveni Sivivatu
Stephen Donald
Brendon Leonard
Fritz Lee
Tanerau Latimer
Liam Messam
Romana Graham
Hayden Triggs
Nathan White
Daniel Perrin
Toby Smith

Blues: Tom McCartney, Ash Dixon, Tevita Mailau, Charlie Faumuina, Kurtis Haiu, Filo Paulo, Mat Luamanu, Luke Braid, James King, Peter Saili, Stephen Brett, Auvasa Faleali'i, Winston Stanley, Sherwin Stowers, Lachie Munro.

Chiefs: Ben May, Sona Taumalolo, Aled De Malmanche, Craig Clarke, Isaac Ross, Scott Waldrom, Steven Setephano, Taniela Moa, Mike Delany, Dwayne Sweeney, Save Tokula, Tim Nanai-Williams, Ahsee Tuala.