Rugby: Rocket man ready for Waratahs

Joe Rokocoko. Photo / Getty Images

Joe Rokocoko made his Blues debut seven years ago, when the side last claimed victory against the Waratahs on Australian soil.

The teenage wing scored that night en route to a remarkable individual season, the Blues' last Super rugby title grab and his international debut.

There have been stutters since for the Blues and their senior wing, with both aiming to build on some recent impetus tomorrow when they meet the Waratahs in Sydney.

'Rocket man' Rokocoko is part of an unchanged Blues side rewarded for their enterprise and grit after seeing off the spirited challenge from the Brumbies last round at Eden Park.

This week the task goes up another notch.

The Waratahs were unimpressive in scrambling past the Force last round but they are at home and have a number of internationals.

They have also rung the changes which have eliminated former Chiefs rep Soseni Anesi from the fullback role.

His place goes to Kurtley Beale, while a fit-again Rob Horne has slotted into centre where he has been asked to combat the dangerous attack from the Blues' latest excitement machine, Rene Ranger.

"Both players certainly offer us a lot in attack and playing against a side like the Blues, who are a very strong attacking team themselves, you've got to have a strong attack focus," Waratahs coach Chris Hickey said.

While the Tahs were getting a makeover, Blues coach Pat Lam wheeled out the same XV with one late change in the reserves as Taniela Moa replaced the injured Chris Smylie at halfback.

"The guys who are going out deserve that opportunity.

"The acid was on, they fronted and again guys coming back from injury offer really good competition as we build into it now," Lam said.

The greatest demands on the Blues would be about consolidating their progress last week and claiming a precious away result.

"We need to front again this week. It is a huge challenge, as we haven't won in Sydney for a while and it is not an easy place to go to," said Lam.

The set piece was improving. The Blues had been solid on their own put-ins or throws but needed to increase their concentration on the opposition ball. This season the Waratahs appeared to be a tighter side who had the capacity and determination to grind out results if they were not playing well.

They would deal to the Blues if the visitors were not switched on, they had a scrum as good as the Brumbies and an efficient lineout.

"This is a game where we have to make the right call, we are away from home and we have to read what the opposition gives us. Most of all we have to enjoy the occasion and back each other up."

The Blues had to front with the same venom and energy they brought to celebrate captain Keven Mealamu's centenary game last week.

The pressure would be on rising young New Zealand referee Garratt Williamson to cope with the occasion and pressure the players would bring to his judgments.

Waratahs fullback Beale has pledged to come up with a few strong plays in his rugby renaissance.

"I'll come up, try and exploit the blindside.

"The Blues have been vulnerable there over the last couple of weeks and hopefully I can see that opportunity."

Sydney, 9.40pm tomorrow

WARATAHS
Kurtley Beale
Lachlan Turner
Rob Horne
Berrick Barnes
Drew Mitchell
Daniel Halangahu
Luke Burgess
Wycliff Palu
Phil Waugh (c)
Dave Dennis
Kane Douglas
Dean Mumm
Al Baxter
Tatafu Polota-Nau
Benn Robinson

BLUES
Isaia Toeava
Joe Rokocoko
Rene Ranger
Benson Stanley
Rudi Wulf
Stephen Brett
Alby Mathewson
Viliami Ma'afu
Serge Lilo
Jerome Kaino
Anthony Boric
Kurtis Haiu
John Afoa
K Mealamu (c)
Tony Woodcock

Waratahs: Damian Fitzpatrick, Sekope Kepu, William Caldwell, Ben Mowen, Joshua Holmes, Tom Carter, Sosene Anesi.

Blues: Tom McCartney, Charlie Faumuina, Filo Paulo, Peter Saili, Taniela Moa, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Paul Williams.