CAPTAIN TUIPULOTU RETURNS TO BOLSTER BLUES
The Blues have been bolstered by the return of captain Patrick Tuipulotu for their Round 10 clash against the Highlanders at Eden Park on Friday night.
In a major boost for the side, Tuipulotu will make his first appearance of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season after recovering from off-season shoulder surgery.
His return headlines a trio of key additions, with loose forwards Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu also named to start after overcoming back and knee injuries respectively.
Head coach Vern Cotter said the experience and leadership returning to the group comes at a crucial point in the season.
“Having Patrick back is massive for us. He’s a leader who drives standards on and off the field. You can feel the lift in the group with him back out on the field,” Cotter said.
“Dalton and Hoskins have both worked hard through their rehab and also bring huge experience and leadership back into our group. Collectively we’re looking forward to getting back out there on Friday night.”
The front row sees Mason Tupaea promoted to start at loosehead prop, with Ofa Tu’ungafasi unavailable following a head knock against the Hurricanes.
In the backline, Codemeru Vai shifts to the left wing opposite Cole Forbes with Caleb Clarke sidelined by a calf strain.
There is a potential debut off the bench for prop Ben Ake, who has been named among the reserves for the first time.
It will be an extra special night for another three players with Beauden Barrett and Zarn Sullivan set to play their 50th game for the Blues while Finlay Christie will also run out in his 100th combined Super Rugby game.
The Blues will be looking to make a statement at home in what is shaping up to be an action-packed Friday night, with fans also treated to a halftime and post-match performance in The Corner from Kiwi band Drax Project.
Blues Team - Round 10 vs Highlanders
7.05pm (NZT), Friday 17 April at Eden Park
1. Mason Tupaea (16)
2. Bradley Slater (5)
3. Marcel Renata (74)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c) (124)
5. Sam Darry (41)
6. Anton Segner (46)
7. Dalton Papali’i (103)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (84)
9. Finlay Christie (76)
10. Beauden Barrett (49)
11. Codemeru Vai (8)
12. Xavi Taele (13)
13. AJ Lam (66)
14. Cole Forbes (35)
15. Zarn Sullivan (49)
Reserves: 16. Kurt Eklund (79), 17. Ben Ake (debut), 18. Sam Matenga (6), 19. Josh Beehre (35), 20. Torian Barnes (7), 21. Malachi Wrampling (4), 22. Taufa Funaki (39), 23. Pita Ahki (21)
Players not considered due to injury: Cameron Christie (knee, season), Caleb Clarke (calf), Corey Evans (ankle), Joshua Fusitu’a (bicep), Jordan Lay (concussion), Laghlan McWhannell (concussion), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (concussion)