Stanley heads cast of Super 12 comebacks

By WYNNE GRAY

Blues centre Jeremy Stanley will head a cast of comebacks at Carisbrook tomorrow as the Highlanders host the start of the Super 12 season.

Dunedin locals may dispute that top billing, but Jeff Wilson's reappearance - unlike Stanley's - seemed inevitable once he had sorted out some mental frailties.

Stanley's problems were more structural. Almost two years ago, his right knee was badly mangled at Carisbrook when he combined a rugby career with the Highlanders and his medical training in the Deep South.

After a year's layoff, Stanley's knee failed a warrant of fitness check in a trial game and there were doubts he would get back to top-level rugby.

But, after more surgery and a move back to the Blues, Stanley will resume his rugby life on Carisbrook, after winning a tight selection duel with Craig Innes.

Further renaissances range from the recasting of Highlanders captain Taine Randell as an openside flanker through the revival of their old All Black front row to the rebranding of others like Ron Cribb, Glenn Taylor, Rua Tipoki, Iliesa Tanivula and Aisea Tuilevu in new franchise livery.

Initially, new Blues coaches Frank Oliver and John Kirwan thought Stanley might take time before he challenged for a start.

"The Southern Cross series in Australia showed us quickly that he was ready," said Oliver.

"He played in every game, he showed he had adjusted to the tempo, his body was right and he was mentally adjusted. He is ready to go."

Stanley would be an intimidating opponent for his old Highlanders team-mates. He had an uncomplicated, confrontational style, good communication and "likes smacking people over in defence."

Stanley's selection was the surprise Blues choice yesterday, while Xavier Rush's choice as blindside flanker split up a potential Harbour loose forward trio.

"Xavier has played just a bit more rugby than Craig Newby and that gives him the nod," said Oliver.

"This game is going to get pretty physical, so I wanted to have the most hardened group out there for a start."

The Highlanders have taken a similar selection route.

They have beefed up their loose forward experience by switching Randell to the openside, instead of rookie Josh Blackie, and moving Kelvin Middleton to the blind.

That alteration was canvassed at the end of last season by the All Black selectors, who suggested Randell's international fortunes might be helped with a swap to openside breakaway.

All Black team-mate Byron Kelleher will not start the game because of a niggly foot injury, but is expected to come off the bench during the second half.

Wilson's return brings up his 200th first-class game of rugby, a mark equalled by Taylor in his return to the Blues pack after last season's stint as Chiefs captain.

There are many provincial links between the two sides, but perhaps the most unusual involves the three Fijian wingers.

Blues wing Joeli Vidiri is Tuilevu's uncle and a cousin of Tanivula.

Highlanders coach Peter Sloane initially hinted Wilson might resume as a winger, but with Tuilevu and Tanivula showing strong form, Wilson has been restored in what used to be his favourite fullback position.

Blues: Orene Ai'i, Joeli Vidiri, Jeremy Stanley, Rua Tipoki, Doug Howlett, Carlos Spencer, Mark Robinson, Ron Cribb, Matua Parkinson, Xavier Rush, Robin Brooke (capt), Glenn Taylor, Craig Dowd, Slade McFarland, Paul Thomson. Res: Steve Devine, Justin Wilson, Mils Muliaina, Craig Newby, Charles Reichelmann, Tevita Taumoepeau, Keven Mealamu.

Highlanders: Jeff Wilson, Aisea Tuilevu, Romi Ropati, Pita Alatini, Iliesa Tanivula, Tony Brown, Billy Fulton, Samiu Vahafolau, Taine Randell (capt), Kelvin Middleton, John Blaikie, Simon Maling, Kees Meeuws, Anton Oliver, Carl Hoeft. Res: Brendan Laney, Mark Urwin, Byron Kelleher, Josh Blackie, Vula Maimuri, Carl Hayman, Tom Willis.