BLUES SET FOR TOP OF TABLE CLASH WITH CANES

The Blues have named their side for Saturday night’s top of the table clash against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

Both sides are locked up with 25 points on top of the standings going into Round 9, with the Hurricanes holding an edge on points differential.

It's an exciting challenge with both teams entering the contest in strong form, riding four-game winning streaks and refreshed from the bye week.

Head coach Vern Cotter has made several changes to the side that defeated the Fijian Drua in Round 7, with experience and impact across the park.

Finlay Christie comes back into the starting XV at halfback, while dynamic loose forward Che Clark shifts from the bench to start at blindside flanker.

In the midfield, Xavi Taele earns a start at second five, with Pita Ahki providing punch off the bench.

Out wide, Codemeru Vai starts on the right wing, while Zarn Sullivan returns at fullback after missing the previous match through concussion.

Cotter said the game was an opportunity for his side to test themselves against one of the competition’s top teams.

“It’s a top of the table clash for that number one spot and that’s exactly the sort of challenge we want at this stage of the season,” he said.

“Coming off a bye, the focus has been on reconnecting, sharpening our detail and making sure we’re ready for a big performance in Wellington.

“The Hurricanes are playing very good rugby so we need to make sure we are at our best for 80 minutes. It should be a high quality contest and we are looking forward to it.”

Blues Team - Round 9 vs Hurricanes
7.05pm (NZT), Saturday 11 April in Wellington

1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (160)
2. Bradley Slater (4)
3. Marcel Renata (73)
4. Josh Beehre (34)
5. Sam Darry (c) (40)
6. Che Clark (7)
7. Anton Segner (45)
8. Malachi Wrampling (3)
9. Finlay Christie (75)
10. Beauden Barrett (48)
11. Caleb Clarke (82)
12. Xavi Taele (12)
13. AJ Lam (65)
14. Codemeru Vai (7)
15. Zarn Sullivan (48)

Reserves: 16. James Mullan (10), 17. Mason Tupaea (15), 18. Sam Matenga (5), 19. Tristyn Cook (2), 20. Torian Barnes (6), 21. Taufa Funaki (38), 22. Pita Ahki (20), 23. Payton Spencer (2)

Players not considered due to injury: Cameron Christie (knee, season), Corey Evans (ankle), Joshua Fusitu’a (bicep), Jordan Lay (concussion), Laghlan McWhannell (concussion), Dalton Papali’i (back), Stephen Perofeta (calf), Hoskins Sotutu (knee), Patrick Tuipulotu (shoulder)