All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu seems destined to be a spectator as the Blues seek to keep their faint Super 14 rugby playoff hopes alive against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Sunday (NZT).
Although the Blues captain has been bracketed on the reserves bench with Tevita Mailau, head coach Pat Lam today admitted there was little prospect Mealamu would get game time in a match the Blues must win with a bonus point to stay alive, at least mathematically.
Mealamu has been nursing a calf strain for several weeks and although he has been able to manage it, the discomfort intensified during the Blues' 10-23 loss to the Sharks in Durban last weekend.
"His chances of being on the bench are slim," Lam said.
"Hopefully he'll be ready for next week. While it's only a grade one (strain) at the moment we don't want to risk that."
Tom McCartney has been entrusted with his first start of the season as Mealamu's replacement in the 12th round match while All Blacks blindside flanker Jerome Kaino takes over the captaincy.
Lam has also made to make multiple changes to his backline after the injured-enforced return home of Luke McAlister -- who arrived in Auckland in time for the birth of his son -- and the absence of another expectant father, Rudi Wulf.
Those disruptions have seen Lam endeavour to use his remaining personnel in their specialist positions.
Paul Williams starts at fullback for the first time since round four against the Crusaders while Isaia Toeava reverts to centre and Rene Ranger is on the right wing for the first time this campaign in his first start in two weeks. Joe Rokocoko occupies the left flank.
While injuries have mounted on the Blues' three-match tour of South Africa, in an encouraging sign Lam has slotted utility back Anthony Tuitavake and lock Anthony Boric on the reserves bench after long layoffs.
The Blues complete their tour against the Lions in Johannesburg next Saturday (NZT).
Blues: Paul Williams, Rene Ranger, Isaia Toeava, Benson Stanley, Joe Rokocoko, Stephen Brett, Alby Mathewson, Viliami Ma'afu, Tom Chamberlain, Jerome Kaino (captain), Filo Paulo, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Tom McCartney, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Tevita Mailau/Keven Mealamu, Charlie Faumuina, Anthony Boric, Peter Saili, Chris Smylie, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Anthony Tuitavake.
