BLUES NAME STRONG TEAM FOR MUST-WIN AGAINST WARATAHS
The Blues have named a powerful team for their must-win clash against the NSW Waratahs at Eden Park this Saturday.
Everything is on the line this week in what is essentially a finals match for the Blues, who need a win in front of their home fans to keep their finals hopes alive.
Saturday’s game, which kicks off at 4.35pm, will be the final home match for several departing players including Mark Tele’a, Ricky Riccitelli, Harry Plummer and Adrian Choat.
It’s also the last home appearance for Rieko Ioane before he heads overseas on sabbatical, ahead of his return to the Blues in 2027.
This week’s team is headlined by Tele’a’s return from suspension to inject his trademark energy into the starting lineup on the right wing. AJ Lam shifts back to second five, and Finlay Christie earns the starting halfback spot.
In the forwards, Anton Segner has been cleared after a heavy collision in Round 14 and is back in the starting XV at blindside flanker.
The bench also sees some key changes with prop Jordan Lay, halfback Sam Nock, and Choat, who returns from a shoulder injury, ready to make an impact.
Saturday’s clash will also be a celebration of club rugby with players proudly wearing their club socks in a nod to where their journeys began.
Alongside the action, Eden Park will come alive prior to kickoff with the first-ever Waiata Singalong, a series of activations led by Dame Hinewehi Mohi DNZM, designed to bring people together through the power of waiata.
After the final whistle, fans will be welcomed onto the turf to get autographs and photos with players in a fitting way to thank the club’s loyal fans.
Tickets are available now through flicket.co.nz
Blues Team for Round 16
4.35pm, Saturday 31 May vs NSW Waratahs
*caps and club teams in brackets
1. Joshua Fusitu’a (34) (GTEC)
2. Ricky Riccitelli (48) (Tukapa Rugby, Taranaki)
3. Marcel Renata (63) (AURFC)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (capt) (121) (Ponsonby)
5. Laghlan McWhannell (20) (Hautapu, Cambridge)
6. Anton Segner (34) (Frankfurt)
7. Dalton Papali’i (94) (Patumahoe)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (75) (Marist / Manurewa)
9. Finlay Christie (65) (Pukekohe / UC)
10. Beauden Barrett (41) (Coastal, Taranaki)
11. Caleb Clarke (72) (Ponsonby)
12. AJ Lam (55) (GTEC)
13. Rieko Ioane (125) (Ponsonby)
14. Mark Tele’a (77) (Massey)
15. Corey Evans (26) (GTEC)
Reserves: 16. Kurt Eklund (72) (AURFC), 17. Jordan Lay (24) (AURFC), 18. Angus Ta’avao (79) (Marist), 19. Josh Beehre (24) GTEC), 20. Adrian Choat (52) (Waitemata), 21. Sam Nock (79) (Kerikeri), 22. Harry Plummer (86) (GTEC), 23. Cole Forbes (27) (Te Puke)
Players not considered due to injury: Cam Christie (thumb), Stephen Perofeta (leg), Reon Paul (shoulder), Cam Suafoa (medical, season), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck, season), Sam Darry (shoulder, season)