By Jim Kayes
Piri Weepu will make his Blues debut from the bench in the first Super Rugby game of the season against the Crusaders at Eden Park on Friday.
Alby Mathewson and Michael Hobbs have nabbed the inside backs pairing in positions nine and ten.
Mathewson, who was originally concerned about Weepu following him north from Wellington, says the presence of his old Hurricanes teammate is bringing out the best in him.
“It's actually been good motivation for me. I've really sort of knuckled down this pre-season and I feel like I'm in the best shape I've been in.”
He is helped by the fact Weepu has some work to do to get match fit, though coach Pat Lam is just pleased Weepu is available.
“He could have easily said ‘I'll come back week five and see you guys then’, but while he's in that process he's keen to help out so it's actually a real bonus for us.”
It is also helpful that Weepu can cover half back and first five, as he will on Friday.
Although his desire to play pivot is not great news for Hobbs, it is good for Mathewson.
He wants whatever is best for the team.
“We're good mates, it's a team sport and you can't really hate him,” Mathewson says.
Another All Black shifting position is flanker Jerome Kaino whose move to number eight is apparently so he exert more influence on the game.
“I wanted some real leadership down two, five, eight, nine ten and fifteen,” Lam says.
Kaino is not fussed where he plays, but long term sees himself as a six.
“Six or eight, I'm happy to play anywhere,” he says.
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