BLUES READY FOR KEY MATCH-UP WITH CHIEFS
The Blues have named a refreshed side, with several reinforcements returning for Saturday night’s final game of the regular season against the Chiefs in Hamilton.
Sitting third on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder heading into Round 16, the Blues are looking to secure a home qualifying final.
Up front, Josh Beehre returns from a back injury to start at lock alongside Sam Darry, with Patrick Tuipulotu sitting out the game due to a neck injury.
In a major boost, prop Joshua Fusitu’a is set for his first appearance since Round 2 after recovering from a lengthy bicep injury.
The young front-rower has been named among the reserves alongside debutant hooker Eli Oudenryn, who is set to earn his first Blues cap after an impressive campaign that recently saw him recognised as the club’s Lockton Team Toa Development Player of the Year.
In the backs, Stephen Perofeta shifts into the starting No.10 jersey with Beauden Barrett unavailable through a quad strain.
Corey Evans is in line for his first appearance of the season after overcoming a serious ankle injury he sustained during pre-season, while Codemeru Vai also returns to the matchday 23 following an ankle sprain.
Head coach Vern Cotter said the side is embracing the challenge of finals calibre rugby arriving early against one of the competition’s top teams.
“Every week at this stage of the season carries significance and this one is no different. Our focus is on ourselves this week and executing our game plan,” Cotter said.
“We know what’s on the line heading into Hamilton and we’re excited by the opportunity. The Chiefs are a quality side and playing them away is always a huge challenge.
“It’s great to welcome back players like Joshua Fusitu’a and Corey Evans after long injury layoffs. They’ve worked hard to get back and they add real energy to the group.”
Blues Team - Round 16 vs Chiefs
7.05pm (NZT), Saturday 30 May in Hamilton
1. Mason Tupaea (21)
2. James Mullan (14)
3. Marcel Renata (78)
4. Josh Beehre (37)
5. Sam Darry (46)
6. Torian Barnes (11)
7. Anton Segner (c) (51)
8. Malachi Wrampling (7)
9. Sam Nock (88)
10. Stephen Perofeta (79)
11. Caleb Clarke (86)
12. Pita Ahki (25)
13. Xavi Taele (18)
14. AJ Lam (71)
15. Zarn Sullivan (54)
Reserves: 16. Eli Oudenryn (debut), 17. Joshua Fusitu’a (39), 18. Flyn Yates (3),19. Laghlan McWhannell (29), 20. Hoskins Sotutu (89), 21. Finlay Christie (81), 22. Corey Evans (27), 23. Codemeru Vai (9)
Players unavailable due to injury: Ben Ake (ankle), Beauden Barrett (quad), James Cameron (legs, season), Cameron Christie (knee, season), Hemopo Cunningham (foot, season), Taufa Funaki (shoulder), Jordan Lay (concussion), Sam Matenga (neck), Dalton Papali’i (jaw), Bradley Slater (concussion), Patrick Tuipulotu (neck)