Spencer back to first-five

By WYNNE GRAY

Just for something different, the Blues will use Carlos Spencer as first five-eighths tomorrow.

After Spencer's strong final quarter when he switched from fullback to five-eighths against the Cats, coach Peter Sloane has decided to stay with that formation as his side prepare to face the Bulls.

Another versatile player, Mils Muliaina, goes back to fullback, Rico Gear moves on to the wing where Rupeni Caucaunibuca is still unavailable, and Jason Shoemark comes in at centre for his first start in the Super 12.

Two alterations have been made in the pack. Justin Collins plays openside as Matua Parkinson is still troubled by a wrist injury, and Christian Califano plays loosehead prop to give Tony Woodcock a decent break.

The Bulls have also tinkered with their selection as they bounce back across the Tasman still looking for a win this season.

They have only one point in the competition, a bonus point for their try haul against the Brumbies.

That day in Pretoria they posted six tries to show some of the potential their coaching staff and supporters had hoped for.

The Blues need maximum points at Eden Park to keep their semifinal hopes alive - a target which gets a boost from statistics about the Bulls' trips to New Zealand since 1998.

In 11 matches, they have conceded 64 tries and scored 23.

Despite that imbalance the concern for the Blues will be fatigue after the trip back from South Africa.

In each of the past three seasons the Blues have lost their first game after the trip.

Blues: Mils Muliaina, Doug Howlett, Jason Shoemark, Lee Stensness, Rico Gear, Carlos Spencer, Mark Robinson, Blair Urlich, Justin Collins, Troy Flavell, Glenn Taylor (capt), Vula Maimuri, Kees Meeuws, Derren Witcombe, Christian Califano. Reserves: Slade McFarland, Mike Storey, Ali Williams, Xavier Rush, Ben Meyer, James Arlidge, Mark Mayerhofler.

Bulls: Jaco van der Westhuizen, Wylie Human, JP Nel, Ettiene Botha, Leon van der Heever, Franco Smith, Norman Jordaan, Chris le Roux (capt), Johan Wasserman, Gerrie Britz, Victor Matfield, Marco Wentzel, Piet Boer, James Dalton, Christo Bezuidenhout. Reserves: Danie Coetzee, Wessel Roux, Bakkies Botha, Pedrie Wannenburg, Hakkies Husselman, Adrian Jacobs, Gavin Passens.