Blues v Brumbies: Teams
The Blues have been buoyed by news that full-back Isaia Toeava has been passed fit to tackle the Brumbies at Eden Park on Friday.
Last Updated: 17/03/10 12:56pm
The Blues have been buoyed by news that full-back Isaia Toeava has been passed fit to tackle the Brumbies at Eden Park on Friday.
The 23-year-old, who can also play in the centres or on the wing, has been sideline since injuring his hip in the victory over the Highlanders back in round two.
However he comes in for the benched Paul Williams as the only change from the side that lost to the Crusaders, with George Pisi dropping out of the squad completely.
The Brumbies will be without former Australia skipper Stirling Mortlock for the trip to Auckland - with the 32-year-old rested.
Mortlock, who suffered knocks to the neck and shoulder against the Sharks, is replaced by Tyrone Smith.
Smith's promotion to the starting XV sees uncapped Andrew Smith named on the bench alongside fellow debutant Jerry Yanuyanutawa.
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.
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Filo Paulo, 19 Peter Saili, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 22 Paul Williams.
Brumbies: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Pat McCabe, 13 Tyrone Smith, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Francis Fainifo, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Josh Valentine, 8 Stephen Hoiles, 7 George Smith, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Ben Hand, 3 Salesi Maafu, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 Jerry Yanuyanutawa, 18 Justin Harrison, 19 Mitchell Chapman, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Matt Toomua, 22 Andrew Smith.
