BLUES PRIMED FOR HURRICANES IN CAPITAL
Blues Head Coach Vern Cotter has named a strong side for Round Three of DHL Super Rugby Pacific, with the Blues set to travel to the Capital to take on the Hurricanes on Saturday night at 7:05pm.
Recently re-signed Loose-Forward, Anton Segner returns to the starting side at Blindside Flanker, partnering Captain Dalton Papali’i and Akira Ioane who shifts to Number Eight for the match.
Laghlan McWhannell and Cameron Suafoa will lock the Blues scrum this weekend after Sam Darry was unfortunately ruled out for six to eight weeks with an MCL knee injury.
There’s no lack of firepower in the backs with Finlay Christie returning to halfback and Rieko Ioane starting at centre.
Zarn Sullivan continues to command a start at fullback with Blues Head Coach Vern Cotter impressed with the fullback’s early season form.
“Zarn’s had a solid start to the season, his defence in particular was instrumental in getting us on the front foot against the Highlanders and his tactical kicking has been superb in the opening few rounds,” said Cotter.
“The more time Zarn spends on the paddock, the more confident and influential he becomes - we’re hoping for another strong performance from him this weekend.”
Cotter has also been impressed by his front rowers in the opening rounds DHL Super Rugby Pacific.
“There’s some good, healthy competition for spots in the front row at the moment and that group are all working hard to improve our overall performance. Fus, Kurty and Marce get the starting nod this week but the bench boys will no doubt play a role, ” said Cotter.
Meanwhile, Akira Ioane gets his chance to impress at Number Eight.
“Akira is proving his versatility slotting in at Number Eight against the Hurricanes. We’re expecting a fierce battle up front and so his no nonsense approach to the game will help us gain ascendancy in that area on Saturday night.”
Blues:
Joshua Fusitu’a
Kurt Eklund
Marcel Renata
Laghlan McWhannell
Cameron Suafoa
Anton Segner
Dalton Papali’i
Akira Ioane
Finlay Christie
Stephen Perofeta
AJ Lam
Harry Plummer
Rieko Ioane
Mark Tele’a
Zarn Sullivan
Reserves:
Ricky Riccitelli
Jordan Lay
Angus Ta’avao
Josh Beehre
Hoskins Sotutu
Adrian Choat
Taufa Funaki
Cole Forbes
Players not considered: Patrick Tuipulotu (jaw), Sam Darry (knee), Caleb Clarke (family wedding)