BLUES LOCK IN TEAM TO TAKE ON DRUA IN FIJI

The Blues have named a largely unchanged side for Friday night’s Round 13 game against the Fijian Drua in Suva.

Head coach Vern Cotter has made just two changes to the starting XV that delivered a convincing win over the Western Force in Round 12.

Corey Evans earns a start at fullback, while AJ Lam runs out on the left wing after a late change saw him come off the bench last week.

Stephen Perofeta drops out of the match day 23 through injury, with Zarn Sullivan returning to the reserves alongside Harry Plummer and Finlay Christie.

Vern Cotter said his side is looking to continue their momentum in what will be a tough test against the Drua. “We were much more consistent throughout the game against Force, and this is another important step for us,” said Cotter.

“The Drua are a dangerous side and play with flair. They will be confident in front of their home fans, so we need to bring high intensity from the start and feed off the energy.”

Blues Team for Round 13 7.05pm, Friday 9 May vs Fijian Drua

1. Joshua Fusitu’a (32)

2. Ricky Riccitelli (46)

3. Marcel Renata (61)

4. Patrick Tuipulotu (capt) (119)

5. Laghlan McWhannell (18)

6. Anton Segner (33)

7. Dalton Papali’i (92)

8. Hoskins Sotutu (74)

9. Taufa Funaki (31)

10. Beauden Barrett (39)

11. AJ Lam (53)

12. Xavi Taele (3)

13. Rieko Ioane (123)

14. Cole Forbes (25)

15. Corey Evans (23)

Reserves: 16. Kurt Eklund (70), 17. Mason Tupaea (6), 18. Angus Ta’avao (77), 19. Josh Beehre (22), 20. Adrian Choat (50), 21. Finlay Christie (63), 22. Harry Plummer (84), 23. Zarn Sullivan (40)