Blues name star-studded side for Lions clash

Blues coach Tana Umaga will be keen for his side to change the complexion of 2017 with a win over the Lions
Kai Schwoerer Blues coach Tana Umaga will be keen for his side to change the complexion of 2017 with a win over the Lions
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06 June, 2017

Mealamu recently admitted he still "feels a stink" about that tackle - but both men have always insisted the incident was a total mistake, while Umaga has called for the whole scenario to be put to bed.

"That was 12 years ago, if people can't put it behind them I suppose they never will", said Umaga, ahead of the Blues hosting the Lions in Auckland on Wednesday.

"It's not about that time now".

'We just want to make sure he's developing but he's earned the right to start for us this week.

Blues coach Tana Umaga has chose to give the 20-year-old his first start in the Lions showdown.

Roaring return: Sonny Bill Williams looks likely to return from injury for the Blues, as they face the British and Irish lions.

"You don't want to take it personally but it's nearly impossible not to when another player, a guy you had some respect for, attacks your character in the most direct and damning terms".

The Fan Van travels to Waitangi to see the Lions greeted by 400 Maori warriors, and Luke gets into trouble with the law!

"We've talked about those things, it's about guys reacting and putting that all into practice".

The Blues placed a question mark over Sonny Bill Williams as they named their side to play the British and Irish Lions on Wednesday.

Gatland Jnr bossed the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians' backline as the Lions laboured to a 13-7 win in Saturday's tour opener, but Umaga hailed Perofeta's qualities as a youngster they held back from heading to the Under-20s world championships.

The query came in a very roundabout way via a writer from Britain's Daily Telegraph, who opened with: "Looking back at 2005, what does the Lions series mean to you.", which Umaga countered with: "I knew we were going to talk about 2005 but that wasn't the question I was expecting but thank you for that".

"But we've just got to concentrate on ourselves".

"We felt like it was our responsibility to protect him and the best way to do that was to play well in the second Test".


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