Still no Nacewa for Blues

Blues' coach David Nucifora has made a few changes to his line-up to take on the Waratahs in Saturday's Super 14 encounter in Sydney.

Blues' coach David Nucifora has made a few changes to his line-up to take on the Waratahs in Saturday's Super 14 encounter in Sydney.

Anthony Tuitavake returns to the left wing after a week's rest, while Nick Williams starts at number eight and Jerome Kaino returns to the number six jersey.

John Afoa suffered a corked thigh in last Saturday night's narrow 23-21 victory over the Bulls but came through training to make the side.

“We feel this is our best mix for the Waratahs,” said Nucifora.

“We rested Nick last week and we feel the physical power he adds to our game with Jerome compliments Daniel (Braid).”

Isa Nacewa remains unavailable due to injury and is expected to make his return against the Brumbies in Round Nine.

Nacewa has been out of action since badly damaging his knee in the third round clash against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on March 1, missing the subsequent four matches.

Not coincidentally, the Blues have gone through a flat patch since their talented number fifteen went down, losing two on the trot before scrambling to unconvincing home victories over the Stormers and Bulls.

Blues: 15 George Pisi, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Isaia Toeava, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Anthony Tuitavake, 10 Nick Evans, 9 Danny Lee, 8 Nick Williams, 7 Daniel Braid, 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 Anthony Boric, 19 Justin Collins, 20 Taniela Moa, 21 Ben Atiga, 22 Rudi Wulf.

Date: Saturday, 5 April
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 19:40 (09:40 GMT)
Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
Touch judges: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa), Grant MacNeill (Australia)
Television match official: Steve Leszczynski (Australia)
Assessor: Andrew Cole (Australia)