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Piri Weepu of the Blues - Source: Photosport -
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High profile All Black recruit Piri Weepu has been named on the bench for the Blues opening Super Rugby match against the Crusaders at Eden Park on Friday night.
A halfback by trade but mooted as a possible first five-eighth, Weepu will provide cover for both Alby Mathewson and Michael Hobbs who will start at nine and 10 respectively.
Blues coach Pat Lam said the likes of Hobbs have earned their jerseys through solid pre-season performances where the Blues were undefeated in three matches.
"Alby and Michael have shown through the pre-season they're fit and ready to go and they've performed well," Lam said "It was quite an easy selection with Piri able to cover both off the bench. We're really comfortable with that selection."
Asked when Weepu would be fit to start at either halfback or at 10, Lam said he was a week-to-week prospect.
"The key is he's doing the work. But he's still got a massive contribution to make to the team and he's been doing it. It's a week to week proposition not only for him but there's a few of them still getting up to top condition," Lam added.
The fitness of Weepu has been a bone of contention throughout much of his career however the 28-year-old isn't interested in listening to the critics who say he should be 100% at the start of the season.
"Doesn't really worry me, I'm the one doing the job - I'm here - (and) I know I've got time to work on it," Weepu said.
"I mean it is a long season and I guess because it is such a long season you have always got to have the opportunity to have that break.
"We train pretty much 10-11 months in a year and it doesn't hurt for us to have a holiday and go and enjoy ourselves."
Meanwhile, the Blues welcome back winger Rudi Wulf after a stint in Toulon and he is joined by North Harbour speedster David Raikuna who will make his debut this Friday night on the right wing.
"In the highly competitive outside backs, David Raikuna has put his hand up. He had a very good game against the Highlanders so he's earned his spot on the right wing. With Sherwin Stowers getting injured in the Rebels game it has given David the chance to start and take the opportunity in a big game," Lam said.
As expected, enforcer Jerome Kaino has been named to start at number eight and is joined by three other World Cup winning All Blacks - Mealamu, Anthony Boric, Ali Williams - in the starting eight.
Blues: Isaia Toeava, David Raikuna, Rene Ranger, Benson Stanley, Rudi Wulf, Michael Hobbs, Alby Mathewson, Jerome Kaino, Daniel Braid, Chris Lowrey, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Charlie Faumuina,Keven Mealamu (c), Tom McCartney.
Reserves: Pauliasi Manu, Tevita Mailau, Brad Mika, Luke Braid,
Piri Weepu, Hadleigh Parkes, Sherwin Stowers.
