Spoiled for choice: Blues coach springs surprises
‘‘It’s a powerful pack . . . it’s probably one of the biggest packs we’ve put out.’’ Blues coach Leon MacDonald
Blues coach Leon MacDonald is so flush with props that he can list two All Blacks on the bench for tomorrow’s match against the Hurricanes.
MacDonald has given All Black Nepo Laulala, who has transferred north from the Chiefs, a start at tighthead while rookie James Lay will make his SRA debut at loosehead.
The depth of quality bookends at the club is so good that MacDonald will be able to call on the services of All Blacks props Karl Tu’inukuafe and Ofa Tuungafasi during the match while another national representative, Alex Hodgman, who is recovering from an ankle injury, will watch from the stands.
In all, there are seven All Blacks in the Blues’ starting XV.
But it’s the selection of the 27-year-old Lay, who previously played under former Blues coach Pat Lam, that has raised the most eyebrows.
‘‘James has performed well for us in the pre-season and Karl is going well and he’s got unique strength, especially around scrummaging,’’ MacDonald said.
‘‘It’s around balancing our team to give us an all round 80 minute performance that in this game in particular we’re going to need, and having Karl coming off the bench to help finish the game gives us more strength.’’
MacDonald is now in his third season as Blues coach and fans hopes this translates into the team winning some silverware.
Last year the Blues stopped being a sleeping giant but, despite being competitive, they could not prevent the Crusaders from claiming the SRA title.
The task for MacDonald is to continue that momentum, something he will aim to do with his monster forward pack.
‘‘We’re missing one of our All Blacks props in Alex and he’s a big loss to us,’’ MacDonald sad.
‘‘But we’re really comfortable with the pack we’ve put out, it’s a powerful pack, it’s a big team and it’s probably one of the biggest packs we’ve put out and we’ve got some really good depth off the bench.
‘‘So it’s good position to be in and the old adage about it being a big battle up front is definitely true this weekend, because I know they’re a physical pack as well.’’