Blues coach Sir John Kirwan admits he’s taken a few risks in naming a 26-man squad to travel to South Africa for Super Rugby matches against the Sharks and Cheetahs.
Current All Blacks squad members Charles Piutau, Francis Saili, Steven Luatua, Piri Weepu, Keven Mealamu and Rene Ranger will join the team early next week following the third Test against France in New Plymouth on Saturday.
“I think the biggest factor for us was waiting on the guys from the All Blacks and making sure they’re all OK to travel,” Kirwan said.
“We’ve gone for two halfbacks and three hookers, so we’ve taken a bit of a risk there.”
He said the Blues were bringing utility back Lolagi Visinia over from the New Zealand under-20 team competing at the world championship in France because of the cover he offered in two or three positions.
“When you’re touring it’s just a matter of making sure you get the mix right.”
Kirwan said it was crucial to kickstart the tour with a victory over the Sharks in Durban on June 29 to stay in touch with the top six.
“The Sharks game is a must-win for us, it’s like our final and that’s because if we win that then we stay completely in touch with the top six.”
Blues squad: Tim Perry, Sam Prattley, Angus Ta’avao, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Quentin MacDonald, Keven Mealamu, James Parsons, Anthony Boric, Culum Retallick, Ali Williams, Luke Braid, Steven Luatua, Peter Saili, Brendon O’Connor, Kane Barrett, Jamison Gibson-Park, Piri Weepu, Baden Kerr, Chris Noakes, Francis Saili, Jackson Willison, Rene Ranger, George Moala, Frank Halai, Charles Piutau, Lolagi Visinia.
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