After weeks of chopping and changing his side, including swapping backline generals Chris Noakes and Simon Hickey, Kirwan said yesterday all his players had been given ample opportunity to prove themselves, and that form would now be the main driver in his selections.
"We've been looking for internal competition and I need to start concentrating on making sure I pick the right guys now," Kirwan said. "I think everyone's had a pretty good crack at it. Obviously we were hoping to have more points in the bank, so now we've got to start saying we've got to pick the best side and really start winning some football games."
With one victory and seven points from four games, Kirwan's selection strategy hasn't been a roaring success. Apart from No10, Francis Saili (now injured), Jackson Willison, Pita Akhi and George Moala have been tried in the midfield, with Benji Marshall replacing the in-form Charles Piutau in the recent loss to the Lions in Johannesburg.
Ma'a Nonu and Jerome Kaino will presumably be first-choice selections providing they come through their bench roles against the Cheetahs at Eden Park on Saturday without injury, but Baden Kerr's availability after recovering from a broken left thumb has muddied the waters at No10 even further.
Kerr probably would have started ahead of Noakes in the opening loss to the Highlanders, with 20-year-old Hickey playing well against the Crusaders and Bulls before Noakes was given another opportunity against the Lions.
And where Kirwan's latest selection policy leaves star signing Benji Marshall, who got better as the game wore on against the Lions, is anyone's guess. Piutau's attacking thrust - he is the most potent of the Blues backs with ball in hand - was blunted on the left wing at Ellis Park.
Marshall was originally selected as a first-five - the Blues' fourth option at No10 - but has proven to be more comfortable at fullback.
One thing is certain and that is the need for an 80-minute performance against the Cheetahs.
"We need to get a little bit more energy off the ball," Kirwan said. "We need to make sure that we are excited off the football and running. I think if we are missing one thing it's a little effort so we're looking for more effort this week and making sure we're playing for each other."
Hooker Keven Mealamu is unavailable due to his calf injury, with lock Patrick Tuipulotu out with a knee injury. A scan has revealed that wing Tevita Li's problem hand is not broken, Kirwan said.
- By Patrick McKendry of APNZ
