Blues coach David Nucifora has finally bit the bullet and will start dynamic Samoan-born wing David Smith against the Crusaders in their Super 14 clash in Christchurch on Friday. And Fijian Isa Nacewa is leaving for Europe
The young speedster has been out of favour since the start of the season, but made an immediate impact coming on to the field late against the Brumbies in the Blues last clash, which ended in another demoralising loss.
But SPASIFIKmag.com has been informed exclusively by its sources that the reason that Smith has not been getting a fair go is he has signed a contract to play for Wellington next season. He is allegedly serving out the remainder of his contract but will be last in priority for selection, barring injuries or severe loss of form of current contenders for the wing position. The loss to the Brumbies has prompted Nucifora to dump All Black centre Isaia Toeava and shift Anthony Tuitavake back to his more natural position, allowing Smith to start his first game of this year’s competition.
At the end of 2007, he was touted as an All Black prospect after starring for Pat Lam’s Air New Zealand Champs winning Auckland provincial team. Smith was featured in SPASIFIK Issue 24 (Jan-Feb 2008).
In other news, Fijian player Isa Nacewa has announced he will be leaving New Zealand rugby after signing a two-year deal with Leinster. He will leave for Europe after the Super 14, and will not take part in the Air New Zealand Cup. The pathway is now set for the mercurial utility back to return to international duty for Fiji. Nacewa has turned down Fiji since coming on as a replacement at the 2003 World Cup. But that could change, especially after Fiji’s magical run at last year’s World Cup where they made their first quarterfinal appearance since 1987.
The 25 year-old says he will still continue to strive for All Black selection though, but it is unlikely the IRB will bend their rules in the immediate future to accommodate his wishes.
New Zealand born, he first gained Auckland selection as a 20 year-old going on to play 54 times for his province, and made his Blues debut in 2005 against the Highlanders. He has been capped 40 times for the Blues.
Round 10 Results
Chiefs 18-5 Crusaders in Hamilton
Chiefs: Tries: Davison; Sivivatu; Cons: Donald; Pens: Donald (2);
Crusaders: Tries: Ellis;
Reds 29-12 Force in Brisbane
Reds: Tries: Houston; Turinui; Walker; Cons: Schifcofske; Pens: Barnes; Schifcofske (3);
Force: Pens: Shepherd (4);
Waratahs 26-3 Lions in Sydney
Waratahs: Tries: Freier; Mumm; Polota-Nau; Waugh; Cons: Beale (2);
Lions: Pens: Vermaak;
Brumbies 27-21 Sharks in Canberra
Brumbies: Tries: Salvi; Ashley-Cooper (2); Cons: Gerrard (3); Pens: Gerrard (2);
Sharks: Tries: Kankowski; Steyn; Cons: Kockott; Pens: Kockott; Pienaar; Drops: Steyn;
Bulls 47-17 Highlanders in Pretoria
Bulls: Tries: Nel; Wannenburg; Kirchner (2); Ndungane (2); Cons: Steyn (4); Pens: Steyn (3);
Highlanders: Tries: Donnelly; King; Cons: Wilson (2); Pens: Wilson;
Stormers 20-12 Hurricanes in Cape Town
Stormers: Tries: Bekker; Brits; Cons: Grant (2); Pens: Grant (2);
Hurricanes: Tries: Gear; Smith; Cons: Gopperth;
Round 11 Draw
Apr 25 Crusaders - Blues Christchurch 7:35 PM
Apr 25 Brumbies - Lions Canberra 9:40 PM
Apr 26 Chiefs - Reds Hamilton 7:35 PM
Apr 26 Waratahs - Sharks Sydney 9:40 PM
Apr 27 Cheetahs - Hurricanes Kimberley 1:00 AM
Apr 27 Stormers - Highlanders Cape Town 3:05 AM
* All dates and times are NZT.
Super 14 2008 Standings
| TEAM | P | W | D | L | PF | PA | B1 | B2 | TOTAL |
| Crusaders | 9 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 284 | 97 | 6 | 0 | 38 |
| Sharks | 9 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 171 | 127 | 1 | 1 | 32 |
| Waratahs | 9 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 186 | 136 | 2 | 1 | 31 |
| Stormers | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 188 | 159 | 4 | 3 | 27 |
| Chiefs | 9 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 243 | 227 | 3 | 0 | 27 |
| Hurricanes | 9 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 196 | 153 | 3 | 1 | 26 |
| Blues | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 238 | 187 | 3 | 2 | 25 |
| Brumbies | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 200 | 219 | 3 | 1 | 24 |
| Force | 10 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 186 | 214 | 1 | 3 | 24 |
| Reds | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 184 | 211 | 1 | 1 | 16 |
| Bulls | 10 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 220 | 297 | 1 | 2 | 15 |
| Highlanders | 9 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 169 | 230 | 2 | 5 | 11 |
| Cheetahs | 9 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 183 | 266 | 2 | 5 | 11 |
| Lions | 9 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 127 | 252 | 0 | 1 | 7 |
Try Scorers
Akona Ndungane, Bulls 5
Fetu’u Vainikolo, Highlanders 5
Andrew Ellis, Crusaders 5
Point Scorers
Stephen Donald, Chiefs 103
Peter Grant, Stormers 93
Daniel Carter, Crusaders 89
