Munro gets Lam's vote

Published: Friday, 1. July, 2011 in category Southern Hemisphere

Lachie Munro has been given the nod to fill the Blues' contentious left wing berth for Saturday's Super rugby semifinal against the Reds in Brisbane.

Munro and Rene Ranger had been bracketed when the squad were originally named before the Blues arrived in Brisbane, but head coach Pat Lam on Friday confirmed that Munro will and will also be the side's first choice goal-kicker.

Lam felt Munro's goal-kicking under pressure would be vital in finals rugby and thought it better to unleash Ranger off the bench as he has just returned from injury.

James King has proved his fitness following a light team run in Brisbane and will provide locking cover in place of Mat Luamanu, while Sherwin Stowers will wear the No.22 jersey ahead of Winston Stanley.

Blues - revised: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Benson Stanley, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Lachie Munro, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Luke Braid, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Chris Lowrey, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (captain), 1 Charlie Faumuina.
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Tevita Mailau, 18 James King, 19 Daniel Braid, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Rene Ranger, 22 Sherwin Stowers.

Date: Saturday, July 2
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19.40 (09.40 GMT)
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Stuart Dickinson (Australia), James Leckie (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)