Toeava back for Blues to face Brumbies

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A fit again Isaia Toeava returns to the Blues for Friday night's Eden Park clash with the Brumbies and has been handed the fullback's jersey as his utility value continues to see him shuffle around the backline.

Toeava is the only change to the starting team. He takes the place of Paul Williams from the side that dipped out to the Crusaders in the Blues' last match before they sat out the bye last weekend.

The added time off has given Toeava a chance to recover from his nagging hip problem.

Having used Toeava at centre in the early games of this campaign Lam made no excuses for moving the multi-skilled player around again.

"He's a test match fullback. We always said at the start of the season that fullback and centre are his positions. It's a good opportunity to come back and have a real crack at fullback," Lam said.

The decision to play Toeava at the back also gives the Blues their best attacking combination out wide.

Rene Ranger has done a good job at No 13 and they retain their All Blacks wings Joe Rokocoko and Rudi Wulf.

The steady Williams is on the bench replacing George Pisi while Peter Saili is also in the reserves for openside specialist Tom Chamberlain and has plenty of responsibilities as he covers the entire back row.

"Peter has played at seven a couple of times for us. The advantage of Peter this week is that he can play all three positions. He is coming back off injury as well but he is really keen and we are pleased to have him back," Lam said, adding that he didn't see the lack of specialist cover as a risk with the Brumbies boasting George Smith at No 7.

"I don't think it's a risk. We did it last year. But we are banking on Serge to be there most of the game."

Lam conceded Lilo had been forced to make some adjustments under the new law interpretations but felt he was making progress. That would need to continue against the Brumbies.

"Obviously for all sevens that have been hard on the ball they have had to adjust. I think Serge from game to game is getting a lot better at making decisions at that breakdown.

"At times during the game he is getting the ball in his hands which is good too.

I think it has been refreshing for him to realise he can adjust to this game as well."

The Blues, with two wins and two losses, are desperate to start their charge through the middle phase of the competition as they sit 10th with a game in hand.

They come up a Brumbies side that have spluttered along but still managed to haul in the points with four wins from five games to lie fifth.

The Brumbies, however, will be without star centre Stirling Mortlock.

Mortlock had been cleared to play this week after a neck and shoulder injury saw him fail to return to the field after halftime in the Brumbies' win over the Sharks last Saturday.

However, the Wallabies centre will now be rested this weekend as a precautionary measure.

Mortlock's place at outside centre will be taken by Tyrone Smith.

BLUES: 15: Isaia Toeava, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Rene Ranger, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Rudi Wulf, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Viliami Ma'afu, 7 Serge Lilo, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Kurtis Haiu, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (c), 1 Tony Woodcock. Reserves: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Filo Paulo, 19 Peter Saili, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 22 Paul Williams.

-with AAP

- © Fairfax NZ News