John Kirwan. Photo / Getty Images
The time for the selection tinkering at the Blues is over, says coach Sir John Kirwan.
After weeks of chopping and changing his side, including swapping backline generals Chris Noakes and Simon Hickey, Kirwan said yesterday that all his players had been given ample opportunity to prove themselves and form
would now be the main driver in his selections.
"We've been looking for internal competition and I need to start concentrating on making sure I pick the right guys now," Kirwan said. "I think everyone's had a pretty good crack at it. Obviously we were hoping to have more points in the bank, so now we've got to start saying we've got to pick the best side and really start winning some football games."
With one victory and seven points from four games, Kirwan's selection strategy hasn't been a roaring success. Apart from No 10, Francis Saili (now injured), Jackson Willison, Pita Ahki and George Moala have been tried in the midfield, with Benji Marshall replacing the in-form Charles Piutau in the recent loss to the Lions.
