Nucifora keeps the faith

Editor

Blues coach David Nucifora has named the same starting fifteen from last week for the Super 14 match against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Blues coach David Nucifora has named the same starting fifteen from last week for the Super 14 match against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The two teams were first round winners, albeit in conflicting circumstances with the Blues hammering the Chiefs and the Lions sneaking past the Cheetahs at the last minute.

The only change is on the bench where massive Hawke's Bay lock Bryn Evans looks highly likely to win his first Super 14 cap.

Blues' tighthead prop John Afoa will play his 50th game for the Blues – a remarkable achievement considering he is just 24 years-old.

If the Blues forwards front up the way they did versus the Chiefs, this match could turn into a points bonanza.

“It's early in the season and a good opportunity to give Bryn some time on the field. He is physically big and that is beneficial for us in this match,” said Nucifora.

“The team is generally pretty happy with last week's performance for a first round match and this week's selection is based on remaining consistent.

“We are fortunate to have no injuries onboard and the players have recovered well from the heavy travel schedule.”

Blues: 15 Isa Nacewa, 14 Anthony Tuitavake, 13 Isaia Toeava, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Nick Evans, 9 Danny Lee, 8 Nick Williams, 7 Justin Collins, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Troy Flavell (c), 4. Kurtis Haiu, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Nick White, 18 Bryn Evans, 19 Onosa'i Tololima-Auva'a, 20 Taniela Moa, 21 Ben Atiga, 22 Rudi Wulf

Date: Saturday, 23 February
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 19.05 (17.05 GMT)
Referee: Kelvin Deaker (New Zealand)
Touch judges: Willie Roos (South Africa), Christie du Preez (South Africa)
Television match official: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
Assessor: Dennis Immelman (South Africa)