Super Rugby
Marshall to face axing
ESPN Staff
April 21, 2014
The Blues' Benji Marshall watches from the bench, New South Wales Waratahs v Blues, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, February 7, 2014
Marshall could be demoted to the development squad © Getty Images
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It was meant to be a defining moment in his new rugby career, facing off against the side of his former city, however Benji Marshall is facing the axe from the Blues squad only two months after making his Super Rugby debut. His unexpected chance at five-eighth revealed his inability in the position and could lead to his demotion to the development team.

Marshall played 42-minutes in the Blues' 39-20 loss to the Hurricanes on Friday night after Chris Noakes was sidelined after suffering a concussion, and it's believed Marshall's mediocre performance will lead to him losing his bench spot to playmakers Simon Hickey and Noakes - if Noakes recovers in time for the Waratahs clash.

"I felt we lost direction in the second-half," Blues coach Sir John Kirwan said. "We kicked away possession which wasn't part of the plan. We spoke about straightening our attack and hanging onto the ball and that didn't happen. That was disappointing."

The loss stretched the Blues' dire away record to 12 straight losses, and although they will be at home to the Waratahs, they will be coming up against a side that is all too happy to face a Marshall-less Blues team.

"I've seen him [Marshall] have some positive interventions in games he's played, so if he's not playing this week I would definitely be happy because I still think he's a dangerous player," Cheika told Fairfax Media.

"Everyone wants to see a guy like [Marshall] come in and be a champion but at five-eighth you need patience," Cheika said. "But he is an x-factor player, so if he is not in there then that suits us just fine. They have lots of x-factor players and the fewer you have to deal with the better."

Rookie Simon Hickey is likely to be reinstated against the Waratahs at Eden Park this week, and if Noakes recovers, Marshall is expected to be dropped from the squad and take up the fullback role for the development squad.

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