Rugby: Plan pays off big for Lam

Rene Ranger scored twice for the Blues yesterday. Photo / Getty Images

Conventional wisdom would suggest starting with your best players would be the most sensible plan.

Blues coach Pat Lam didn't like that approach and his decision to leave a handful of All Blacks on the bench for yesterday's entertaining 41-32 win over the Lions proved to be decisive.

Lam had opted to start captain Keven Mealamu on the bench along with fellow All Blacks Daniel Braid, Anthony Boric and Rene Ranger.

It was a decision that caused arching eyebrows in various quarters, particularly given the importance of the match and the need for the Blues to pick up one win on their trip to the Republic.

In the end, the introductions of Ranger, who scored two tries and saved another when he dislodged the ball as Lions wing Michael Killian dived for the line, Mealamu, Braid and Boric were crucial in their side's win.

They provided good impact and experience off the bench when the game was tight and might not have had the same influence had they started.

"It's a tough thing [playing at altitude] and you know you're going to need 22 [players]," Lam said. "Part of the plan and reasoning was freeing up Kevie and Anthony Boric, Ranger and Daniel Braid.

"We knew we'd need the experience at the end and particularly if it got close and it certainly came down to it. Bringing the All Blacks on went to plan. Those guys came on and added some real spark to a pretty committed effort."

It doesn't mean it should be a tactic used in every match. Mealamu is often an 80-minute player but altitude can be debilitating for even the fittest players.

They will now head to Perth for Saturday's match against the Force satisfied with a return of one win from their venture to South Africa.

Another loss wouldn't have been the least bit terminal for the Blues but it's a much better feeling knowing they've already got the games in South Africa out of the way with little damage to their standing.

There were some other good signs from the Blues.

Their lineout and scrums were shaky at times, and their defence around the fringes a worry, but their counter-attacking was impressive and their game plan sound.

Luke McAlister, who had a decent game at first five-eighths, and Isaia Toeava cleverly kicked long when inside their own 22. They figured they were better off attacking from the right areas of the park rather than trying to run it out from deep in their own territory. McAlister also kicked a first-half drop goal that was very South African - take the points when they are there.

"[McAlister] played very well and that's all you want from the players," Lam said, "that when they get out there to put the pressure on.

"I'm pleased for him, he did well and had a good game."

Joe Rokocoko scored one try and set up another with a clever chip but he was overshadowed by Ranger who scored with his first touch after entering the game in the 51st minute.

It helped the Blues recover from a 25-17 deficit at the break and jump out to a match-winning lead.

"When he gets put into space, that's what he does well," Lam said of Ranger's try-scoring feats.

The result meant the Blues maintained their 100 per cent record since the Johannesburg franchise joined Super Rugby under the Lions moniker in 2007. John Mitchell's side had showed signs of improvement in recent weeks, pushing both the Stormers and Bulls, and they had their chances in this one, too. But it still means they haven't won in 17 games since they beat the Highlanders in May 2009 and aren't likely to feature in the playoffs.

If the Blues can play with more consistency in 2011, they just might.

Lions 32 (J. Vermaak, W. Whiteley, D. la Grange, J. Strauss tries; E. Jantjies 3 cons, 2 pens) Blues 41 (R. Ranger 2, J. Rokocoko, J. Payne, A. Mathewson tries; L. McAlister 4 cons, pen, drop goal, S. Brett con). Halftime: Lions 25-17.