BLUES BACK AT HOME FOR ROUND 7 DRUA CLASH
The Blues have made several changes for Saturday night’s clash against the Fijian Drua at Eden Park, as they look to continue their momentum back on home soil.
In the forward pack, Marcel Renata shifts into the starting front row at tighthead prop while Sam Darry takes over captaincy in the absence of Dalton Papali’i, who will miss the match with a back injury.
Anton Segner moves to openside flanker, with Torian Barnes coming into the starting XV at blindside.
In the backs, Taufa Funaki earns a start at halfback, partnering Beauden Barrett at first-five, Pita Ahki at second-five and AJ Lam at centre.
Out wide, Cole Forbes comes onto the right wing opposite Caleb Clarke, while Payton Spencer is set for his first start at fullback after debuting off the bench last week.
The Blues are without Zarn Sullivan, who was unavailable through concussion, and Hoskins Sotutu who is managing a knee injury.
There is added experience and talent on the bench, with Finlay Christie, Xavi Taele and Codemeru Vai both providing impact options in the backline. Loose forward Jed Melvin is also in line to make a potential Super Rugby debut.
Head coach Vern Cotter said the changes reflect both necessity and an opportunity to build depth within the squad.
“We’ve had a few disruptions after the win over Waratahs, particularly losing Dalton and Zarn, but it’s a chance for others to step in and make the most of their opportunity,” he said.
“The Drua are a dangerous side when you give them space. They play with a lot of flair and confidence, so for us it’s about being accurate, controlling the tempo and making good decisions under pressure.”
Saturday night’s match will mark a special occasion, with the inaugural Joeli Vidiri Memorial Trophy to be contested between the Blues and the Fijian Drua.
The trophy honours the legacy of the late Joeli Vidiri, one of the most iconic wingers to represent both Fiji and the Blues. Vidiri scored 43 tries in 61 appearances for the Blues between 1996 and 2001 and was widely admired on and off the field.
Blues Team - Round 7 vs Fijian Drua
7.05pm (NZT), Saturday 28 March at Eden Park
1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (159)
2. Bradley Slater (3)
3. Marcel Renata (72)
4. Josh Beehre (33)
5. Sam Darry (c) (39)
6. Torian Barnes (5)
7. Anton Segner (44)
8. Malachi Wrampling (2)
9. Taufa Funaki (37)
10. Beauden Barrett (47)
11. Caleb Clarke (81)
12. Pita Ahki (19)
13. AJ Lam (64)
14. Cole Forbes (34)
15. Payton Spencer (1)
Reserves: 16. James Mullan (9), 17. Mason Tupaea (14), 18. Sam Matenga (4), 19. Che Clark (6), 20. Jed Melvin (debut), 21. Finlay Christie (74), 22. Xavi Taele (11), 23. Codemeru Vai (6)
Players not considered due to injury: Cameron Christie (knee, season), Corey Evans (ankle), Joshua Fusitu’a (bicep), Jordan Lay (concussion), Laghlan McWhannell (concussion), Sam Nock (concussion), Dalton Papali’i (back), Stephen Perofeta (calf), Hoskins Sotutu (knee), Zarn Sullivan (concussion), Patrick Tuipulotu (shoulder)