CLARKE RETURNS FOR MOANA PASIFIKA MATCH-UP
The Blues have made several changes for Saturday night’s match against Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium, with All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke set to make his return.
Clarke will start on the left wing after recovering from a calf injury, providing a boost as the Blues look to build momentum after a golden point win over the Reds at Super Round.
In the front row, Kurt Eklund comes into the starting side at hooker while Ben Ake and Marcel Renata retain their starting roles at prop.
Anton Segner shifts to openside flanker in place of Dalton Papali’i, who is unavailable due to concussion, while Torian Barnes earns a start at blindside.
Sam Nock starts at halfback with Stephen Perofeta at first five - Finlay Christie and Beauden Barrett are among the reserves.
The midfield combination sees Pita Ahki at second five, with Xavi Taele coming into the starting lineup at centre and AJ Lam providing impact off the bench.
The bench also features two potential debutants, with forwards Flyn Yates and Terrell Peita both in line for their first appearances in Blues colours.
Blues head coach Vern Cotter said this week will be another tough test against a physical Moana Pasifika side.
“We’ve made a few changes this week, but there’s a good balance in the group. It’s an opportunity for some players to step up, and we’ve got experience around them to provide stability,” he said.
“We were pleased to get the result down in Christchurch, but we know there’s plenty to improve on. We still need to build on our consistency for the full 80 minutes and that will be key for us this week.
“Moana Pasifika are a dangerous side when they get momentum. They’re physical, they offload well, and they’ll test us if we’re not accurate.”
Saturday’s match kicks off at 7.05pm at North Harbour Stadium in Albany.
Blues Team - Round 12 vs Moana Pasifika
7.05pm (NZT), Saturday 2 May at North Harbour Stadium
1. Ben Ake (2)
2. Kurt Eklund (80)
3. Marcel Renata (76)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c) (126)
5. Sam Darry (43)
6. Torian Barnes (9)
7. Anton Segner (48)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (86)
9. Sam Nock (85)
10. Stephen Perofeta (76)
11. Caleb Clarke (83)
12. Pita Ahki (23)
13. Xavi Taele (15)
14. Kade Banks (3)
15. Zarn Sullivan (51)
Reserves: 16. James Mullan (12), 17. Mason Tupaea (18), 18. Flyn Yates (debut), 19. Josh Beehre (37), 20. Terrell Peita (debut), 21. Finlay Christie (78), 22. Beauden Barrett (51), 23. AJ Lam (68)
Players unavailable due to injury: Cameron Christie (knee, season), Corey Evans (ankle), Taufa Funaki (shoulder), Joshua Fusitu’a (bicep), Jordan Lay (concussion), Dalton Papali’i (concussion), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (calf)