TEAM NAMING FOR BRUMBIES
Blues expect strong challenge from Australian foe in Friday double header
The Blues are not expecting any let-up in the physical challenge when they meet their first trans-Tasman foe of the Super Rugby Pacific season against former champions, the Brumbies at Eden Park on Friday night.
It is a Blues double-header with nib Blues taking on the Chiefs Manawa in the second round of the Aupiki competition from 5.05pm – in a repeat of last year’s grand final.
Blues coach Vern Cotter is aware of the test that the historic leading Australian team will provide as the home team look to build on the away win against the Hurricanes.
“The challenge against the Hurricanes is what we have come to expect in this competition, and we expect nothing less against the Brumbies who have led the way for Australian teams in this competition for many years,” said Cotter.
“We must continue to improve week-on-week in every aspect of our game. What is clear this year is that every team is stepping up for the whole 80 minutes.
“We showed improvement and when we got on the front foot, we showed that we have game-winners capable of breaching any defence.”
The physical nature of the game against the Hurricanes has forced several changes with injuries to All Black Dalton Papali’i and James Mullan, and with Hoskins Sotutu suspended. Props Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Marcel Renata have a break from starting, to come off the bench, with Cameron Suafoa moving back to No 8, Cam Christie taking his slot in the loose forwards and Anton Segner promoted to start.
In the backs, Beauden Barrett will guide the team from first-five with Harry Plummer to add thrust off the bench.
The match kicks off at 7.35pm on Friday, with the nib Blues Women taking on Chiefs Manawa in the early game at 5.05pm at Eden Park.
The Blues team is (Blues caps in brackets):
1. Joshua Fusitu’a (24), 2. Ricky Riccitelli (41), 3. Angus Ta’avao (69) 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (112) ©, 5. Josh Beehre (14), 6. Cam Christie (1), 7. Anton Segner (26), 8. Cameron Suafoa (27); 9.
Finlay Christie (57), 10. Beauden Barrett (33), 11. Caleb Clarke (67), 12. AJ Lam (46), 13. Rieko Ioane (115), 14. Mark Tele’a (70), 15. Cole Forbes (19).
Reserves: 16. Nathaniel Pole (1), 17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (152), 18. Marcel Renata (56), 19. Tristyn Cook (Debut), 20. Che Clark (1), 21. Sam Nock (74), 22. Harry Plummer (78), Corey Evans (16).
Players not considered: Kurt Eklund (groin), Laghlan McWhannell (face); PJ Sheck (shoulder), Zarn Sullivan (foot), Stephen Perofeta (calf), Ben Ake (shoulder), Hoskins Sotutu (suspended), Dalton Papali’i (head injury), Reon Paul (shoulder), Taufa Funaki (shoulder), Adrian Choat (knee), James Mullan (head injury), Sam Darry (shoulder, season)
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