Rugby: Woodcock back for Blues

Tony Woodcock returns to the Blues’ starting lineup at the expense of Charlie Faumuina. Photo / Brett Phibbs

All Black prop Tony Woodcock has been restored to the Blues' starting front row for the Super 14 rugby match against Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday night.

Woodcock began on the bench against the Reds in Brisbane last weekend, after coach Pat Lam had rated him as not yet at full fitness, citing his late return to the Blues' camp because of the end-of-year All Black tour.

But Lam said today that Woodcock had shown he was back up to speed with his performance during the second half of the win at Ballymore.

"He came on for 38 minutes, nine tackles out of nine, real enthusiasm and was really pumped," he said.

"We saw Woody play the way we want Woody to play."

Lam said he was proud of the way Woodcock prepared in the lead-up to the match against the Reds, given that coming off the bench wasn't usual for him.

He added that Woodcock's experience would be vital against a side like the Crusaders and he was expecting the forwards battle to go a long way in determining the result at AMI Stadium.

"Both teams have good backlines, but it's really going to come down to the battle up front," he said.

"It's no secret the set pieces are crucial - lineout and scrummaging - and the quality of the ball will determine who will play the better rugby."

Woodcock's return at the expense of Charlie Faumuina restores the Blues' all test front row, with skipper Keven Mealamu at hooker and John Afoa at tight head prop.

Lam has made one other change to the run-on side, with Viliami Ma'afu returning to No 8 for Peter Saili, who injured a shoulder against the Reds.

With injury still restricting the Blues' options in the midfield, winger Rene Ranger retains his spot at centre.

Ranger was impressive against the Reds, and he showed his power by forcing his way past a succession of defenders for one of the Blues' four tries.

Lam said Ranger was a natural talent and it was case of getting him to fit into the team systems.

"Last week, we were forced to play him at centre and we put a lot work into him and the guys around him did too," he said.

"He came out and stayed in those systems and played really well."

Blues
Paul Williams, 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, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Tom McCartney, Charlie Faumuina, Filo Paulo, Tom Chamberlain, Chris Smylie, Daniel Kirkpatrick, George Pisi.

Crusaders
Jared Payne, Sean Maitland, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Zac Guildford, Daniel Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read, George Whitelock, Richie McCaw (captain), Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Ti'i Paulo, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves: Quentin MacDonald/Corey Flynn, Peter Borlase, Isaac Ross, Jonathon Poff, Kahn Fotuali'i, Adam Whitelock, Colin Slade.

- NZPA