The Blues are firmly focussed on a performance of quality to celebrate their return home to Eden Park where they take on the Melbourne Rebels in DHL Super Rugby Pacific on Friday night.

While they return from two wins across the Tasman, the team were not satisfied with the level of their performances, and are determined to make a step up in front of fans and family.

 “We will definitely take the two wins, and there were aspects of both games that were really good. But we need a consistent 80-minute performance. We need to be more accurate, more disciplined and more patient,” said head coach Leon MacDonald.

“We were never under any illusion about the capability of the Australian teams and they have shown that they are very competitive. The Rebels are no different and we will need to execute with more precision if we want to earn a positive outcome.

“The team is excited to be back home for this game and looking to produce a display that our fans can be proud of, and we hope they will make it a sea of blue at Eden Park.”

All Black No 8 Hoskins Sotutu makes his return, while the abrasive and energetic pair of James Tucker and Tom Robinson form a new locking partnership.

Stephen Perofeta, who was in such glowing form earlier in the season, returns from injury at first-five as Beauden Barrett has his All Black-enforced leave, and the dangerous Mark Telea is back on the right wing.

There is real strength on the bench with the likes of All Black props Nepo Laulala and Karl Tu’inukafe, the return of 46-game halfback Sam Nock from injury and last week’s defensive star, Bryce Heem.

There is special significance with the Blues promoting their Best Boot Forward drive around the region, aiming to collect 20,000 pairs of pre-loved sports shoes for children in Tonga, who are in dire need following the tsunami that caused so much devastation.

Collection bins will be at Blues HQ in Epsom and selected schools and a number of locations in the Blues region – find out more here.

The Blues team to play the Rebels, with kick-off at 7.05pm on Friday, is (with Blues caps in brackets):

1. Jordan Lay (5)

2. Kurt Eklund (32)

3. Ofa Tuungafasi (115)

4. James Tucker (7)

5. Tom Robinson (40)

6. Akira Ioane (89)

7. Dalton Papalii© (52)

8. Hoskins Sotutu (31)

9. Finlay Christie (25)

10. Stephen Perofeta (39)

11. Caleb Clarke (33)

12. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (6)

13. Rieko Ioane (81)

14. Mark Telea (33)

15. Zarn Sullivan (13)

16. Soane Vikena (10)

17. Karl Tu’inukuafe (37)

18. Nepo Laulala (19)

19. Sam Darry (13)

20. Adrian Choat (14)

21. Sam Nock (46)

22. Bryce Heem (15)

23. AJ Lam (16)

 

Players not considered: Harry Plummer, Luke Romano, Josh Goodhue, Beauden Barrett, Alex Hodgman.