Rugby: Woodcock making return to field

Tony Woodcock expects to return for the Blues when they are back from South Africa. Photo / Getty Images

All Black and Blues' prop Tony Woodcock will make his long awaited return tonight when playing for the Blues Development team in their final match of the Pacific Rugby Cup against the Fiji Warriors at Bell Park, Pakuranga.

The 83-test veteran has not played since the Rugby World Cup final last year, when he scored the All Blacks' only try of the match.

Development coach Jeff Wilson said Woodcock was eager to get on the field.

"You can tell by his attitude that he can't wait to get out there and get some game time. It's also a great opportunity for the younger guys to play with someone of his experience,'' said Wilson.

Blues' coach Pat Lam will be eager to hear of Woodcock's performance after he was disappointed to discover the 31-year-old would not be available for his team's first four Super Rugby games of the season.

Woodcock, who activated a rest clause in his contract, is set to join the Blues when they return from South Africa next week.

The Blues Development line-up has a number of changes to that which beat Tonga A, 40-3 last Friday night.

Midfielder Francis Saili has been called up alongside Ben Lam and Hadleigh Parkes to join the Blues in South Africa, leaving the Development team light on backs.

Wilson said he is grateful to have experienced players Jack McPhee and Aaron Bancroft join the squad for tonight's match.

The Fiji Warriors are the strongest of the touring teams in the Pacific Rugby Cup, and recorded a win against the Crusader Knights last weekend.

Blues Development team: Tony Woodcock, James Parsons (c), Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Liaki Moli, Nathan Hughes, Steven Luatua, Sean Polwart, Cam Goodhue, Wayne Ngaluafe, James Semple, Nafi Tuitavake, Corey Aporo, Malakai Fekitoa, Junior Tofa Va'a, Jack McPhee, Manu Leiataua, Matt Wallace, Irwin Finau, Daniel Pryor, Bryn Hall, Michigan Lam, Aaron Bancroft.