Fresh from scoring five tries for the Crusaders in what he called as a "surreal" performance, Macca Springer has been named on the reserves bench to play the Blues at Eden Park.
In a selection that may raise eyebrows, head coach Rob Penney has instead gone for Chay Fihaki as Sevu Reece’s wing partner.
Reece scored three tries himself against the Force in Christchurch last weekend in the 55-33 win, with fullback Will Jordan, who scored one, retaining the No.15 jersey against the defending champions.
Penney said Fihaki’s form in the Crusaders’ victory over the Reds the week before meant he deserved a recall.
“Chay was almost man of the match, created an opportunity for Macca and Macca took the opportunity, and now we’ve resurrected Chay back into the position. It’s simple, really,” Penney told reporters.
That reasoning may surprise those who prefer to back form and continuity but, as Penney said, the competition for spots in the Crusaders’ backline at least is undeniable.
“Absolutely. Utilisation of the whole squad is important and utilisation over the next few weeks will become apparent 'cause we’re growing depth and breadth and guys who haven’t had access need access.
“And it’s a great way for the whole squad to grow. They’re very supportive of each other and it’ll hopefully be good for us.”
Asked how Springer, 21, took the news of his "demotion", Penney said: "As good as he could. He was great. But he’s hurting. He wants to play which is a great sign."
The Crusaders, second on the Super Rugby Pacific table despite having a bye, will seek to capitalise on the Blues’ woeful recent form which has seen the defending champions win only one of their first five matches.
The Blues, currently 10th of 11 teams, were perhaps unlucky not to tip over the Chiefs at the weekend, however, a missed late conversion attempt late in Hamilton helped the Chiefs to a 32-31 win.
Blues coach Vern Cotter, who welcomes back wing Caleb Clarke and No.8 Hoskins Sotutu – the later from a red-card suspension - to the starting line-up, did not shy away from the rivalry between his side and the Crusaders.
"The Crusaders are our historic foes in this competition, and of course in provincial rugby for decades,"he said.
"We know there is no respite in this competition, but after a sluggish start, we are improving across the squad as a team and as individuals every day and every week."
Blues team to play Crusaders at Eden Park on Saturday, kick-off 7.05pm: Joshua Fusitu’a, 2. Kurt Eklund, 3. Angus Ta’avao, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Josh Beehre, 6. Cameron Christie, 7. Dalton Papali’i, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Sam Nock, 10. Stephen Perofeta, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Xavi Taele, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Mark Tele’a, 15. Corey Evans. Reserves: 16. James Mullan, 17. Jordan Lay, 18: Marcel Renata, 19. Laghlan McWhannell, 20. Tristyn Cook, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Harry Plummer, 23. Cole Forbes.
Crusaders: 1. Tamaiti Williams. 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Antonio Shalfoon, 6. Cullen Grace, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Kyle Preston, 10. Taha Kemara, 11. Sevu Reece, 12. David Havili (c), 13. Dallas McLeod, 14. Chay Fihaki, 15. Will Jordan. Reserves: 16. Ioane Moanunu, 17. George Bower, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Quinten Strange, 20. Corey Kellow, 21. Noah Hotham, 22. James O’Connor, 23. Macca Springer.
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