Devine’s got the Blues
8 Feb 2006
Former All Blacks scrumhalf Steve Devine is the biggest surprise omission in the Blues first starting XV for the Vodacom Super 14 opener against the Hurricanes on Friday.
Blues coach David Nucifora has picked John Senio at scrumhalf and Isa Nacewa at fullback in announcing his strongest available line-up.
Surprisingly, Brent Ward has to be content with a position on the bench.
Another selection that has stunned the locals is Ben Atiga ahead of the impressive Anthony Tuitavake of North Harbour in the midfield.
“We had some tough choices to make, especially in the backline where we have a lot of depth,” Nucifora told the media. “There were some very tough choices but it’s going to be a long season and those boys are all going to get their opportunity.”
Nucifora told reporters that the one decision that had been hardest to make was that of Atiga ahead of Tuitavake.
“That was very tough. That’s a luxury for us at the moment. They’ve both been playing well and training well. Probably Anthony not getting the amount of game time with a couple of niggly injuries of late just counted against him at the last minute.”
Nucifora has also included six current and former All Blacks in his pack, with South African-born lock Greg Rawlinson having established himself as the senior lock partner to All Black Ali Williams.
BLUES: 15 Isa Nacewa, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Ben Atiga, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Tasesa Lavea, 9 John Senio; 8 Angus Macdonald, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Nick Williams, 5 Greg Rawlinson, 4 Ali Williams, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (c), 1 Tony Woodcock. Subs: 16 Tim Dow, 17 Saimone Taumoepeau, 18 Kurtis Haiu, 19 Justin Collins, 20 Steve Devine, 21 Rua Tipoki and 22 Brent Ward.
20 Comments
8 Feb 2006, 12:36 pm
Is this the same Oke who is actually an Aussie and played 7′s for AUS. The very next yr he gets selected for the AB’s. When Chavanga played U21 for Zim and then played 7′s for us we were fined 100000 pounds. Is that fair? I think not…
8 Feb 2006, 12:39 pm
Yep.
Go back to Barraba, Steve
8 Feb 2006, 12:47 pm
Blues fans should expect to a few suprise selections with Nucifora as coach.
8 Feb 2006, 12:50 pm
No suprise with Devine missing as he was ruled out for the entire S14 season with a reoccurrence of a severe neck injry . . . may have actually read that on this site?!
8 Feb 2006, 12:57 pm
I don’t think it was Devine.
8 Feb 2006, 13:01 pm
I am pretty sure it was Dave Gibson
8 Feb 2006, 13:02 pm
Definitely him. Was reported earlier in the season. Particular reference was made to John Senio having to fill his boots as well as how Devine now is in a race against time to get some game time b4 the WC and force his way into the AB squad.
8 Feb 2006, 13:23 pm
It WAS devine…who was selected for the ABs after representing AUS in 7s. How right you are WPW.
8 Feb 2006, 13:46 pm
Where is this S14 fantasy league?
thanks
8 Feb 2006, 13:48 pm
yep it was Gibson with the neck injury.
http://www.nzrugby.com/index.cfm?layout=showBluesNews&newsArticle=3128
8 Feb 2006, 14:08 pm
Blues won’t amount to much this year
8 Feb 2006, 14:11 pm
Okay, so all my fantasy league players are in the starting line-up. Weird to see McAllister moved to 12. Does this mean that Lavea will get the kicking duties?
David Nucifora can mix and match as he sees fit, just as long as he doesn’t interfere with my S14 fantasy league selsctions.
Mistral
testrugby.com Muppit League
8 Feb 2006, 14:12 pm
Ja frabie
and I guess next you’ll tell us the Force are going to win it….
Try another one.
I tip them and Crusaders to meet in the final.
8 Feb 2006, 14:18 pm
My foot tastes funny.
8 Feb 2006, 14:59 pm
Davidsp
How many big names do you have in your team?
8 Feb 2006, 15:09 pm
Hobo
I managed to have quite a few.
You? Not among the forwards but certainly among the backs. Most are internationally capped players or should be (i.e. Greg Rawlinson)
8 Feb 2006, 15:09 pm
lol Wolverine
8 Feb 2006, 15:13 pm
Davidsp
I went for the up and coming names, mostly Bulls , Cheethas and two over sea players…Ali williams is one!!
8 Feb 2006, 17:35 pm
Unfortunately I ahve no national loyalty in this comp.
I have guys like Dan Carter etc…
Apprently there’s a strain of flu in Brumbies land affecting Mortlock and Gerrard…
Both are in my side so that’s a worry
9 Feb 2006, 06:33 am
“It WAS devine…who was selected for the ABs after representing AUS in 7s…”
That switch Devine made BEFORE the rule was changed and it then became illegal.
Hey, Tiaan Strauss captained the Boks test team and then went and played for the Wallabies test side. That was because, at that time, he could do so. You can’t do so now. The rules have changed.
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