Brett, Mathewson among six new Blues named

Blues coach Pat Lam expressed excitement about his team, their preparation and their desire as he named the side to host the Hurricanes in the Super 14 season-opener in Albany on Friday night.

Exciting imported inside backs Stephen Brett and halfback Alby Mathewson are among six new Blues named in the side.

Brett has settled in well from the Crusaders to take over the crucial No 10 jersey while Mathewson will line out against his old franchise.

Viliami Ma'afu gets his Super 14 debut at No 8, openside flanker Serge Lilo, who has played for the Chiefs and the Hurricanes, will make his first appearance for the Blues at openside flanker.

Late addition Filo Paulo, who replaces the injured Ali Williams in the squad, gets a spot on the bench as does former Hurricanes first five-eighth Daniel Kirkpatrick.

Injuries aside - Ali Williams, and backs George Pisi, Anthony Tuitavake and Luke McAlister - were unavailable Lam said this was his strongest side possible.

"Without a doubt ... it's as close as we can get," Lam said. "It was a tough team to pick, particularly out in the back four. All those outside backs have been playing really well."

He has gone for Rudi Wulf to play fullback, wary of Paul Williams head knock in the last warm up match.

"We have done a lot of hard work, now it's up to us to go out and put it on the field. There are no excuses.

"The boys have done it, now it's about making sure we do it on the field for 80 minutes."

Lam said every Super 14 coach would believe their side could win the championship and he was no different as a competition with more hype to it this year gets set to kick off.

Lam is expecting "a cracker of a match" against a Hurricanes side stacked with 11 All Blacks.

BLUES: Rudi Wulf, Rene Ranger, Isaia Toeava, Benson Stanley, Joe Rokocoko, Stephen Brett, Alby Mathewson, Viliami Ma'afu, Serge Lilo, Jerome Kaino, Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Tom McCartney, Charlie Faumuina, Filo Paulo, Peter Saili, Chris Smylie, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Paul Williams.