TOP OF TABLE SHOWDOWN
‘Proud family moment’ adds to top-of-the-table showdown
A top-of-the-table DHL Super Rugby Pacific clash looms large this Saturday afternoon at 4:35pm as the Blues host the Hurricanes at Eden Park in Auckland.
Blues fullback Zarn Sullivan returns from a knee injury to take his spot in the starting XV, with the fullback set to square off against his brother, Bailyn, who plays for the Hurricanes.
“It’s awesome ay, it’s a proud moment for our family,” Sullivan said.
“It’s cool to see Bailyn out there, it’s good to see him back playing and happy in his work – he’s playing some good footy,” he said.
In the Blues pack, Lock Sam Darry and Blindside Flanker Akira Ioane both start this weekend alongside an elevation to the starting XV for Marcel Renata at Tighthead Prop.
A rejig in the midfield sees Bryce Heem partner with AJ Lam with the wing spots occupied by dangerous finishers Caleb Clarke and Mark Tele’a.
Sullivan knows the gravity of the occasion on Saturday afternoon.
“It’s a top of the table clash, I know the boys will be up for the occasion and wanting to right a few wrongs from when we lost to them down in Wellington earlier this season,” said Sullivan.
“I can’t wait to get out there, put on the jersey and throw my body around. It’s been a while and I do get itchy feet when I’m not playing, so I’m excited to run out on Saturday afternoon and express myself,” he said.
With Sullivan starting this weekend, Cole Forbes takes a spot on the bench against the Hurricanes.
“It shows we have depth, Cole’s been playing bloody well. It’s his first year at the Blues and no doubt there were some nerves, but he just accepted it as a challenge. I’m stoked that I’m back in the 15 jersey but Cole has made it a competition to start now and I’m stoked for him too,” said Sullivan.
While it’s a family affair for the Sullivans on Saturday afternoon at Eden Park, family loyalty isn’t split.
“The family aren’t choosing sides,” Sullivan quipped.
“They’re just happy; they’re just proud for us. It’s more than just us two out there, it’s our family and our whakapapa that we carry in the sport that we play – it’s a proud family moment for sure.”
Family pride and top spot on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder go on the line this Saturday afternoon at Eden Park, kick off is at 4:35pm.
Blues:
Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Ricky Riccitelli
Marcel Renata
Patrick Tuipulotu (c)
Sam Darry
Akira Ioane
Dalton Papali’i
Hoskins Sotutu
Taufa Funaki
Harry Plummer
Caleb Clarke
Bryce Heem
AJ Lam
Mark Tele’a
Zarn Sullivan
Reserves:
Kurt Eklund
Joshua Fusitu’a
Angus Ta’avao
Josh Beehre
Adrian Choat
Sam Nock
Corey Evans
Cole Forbes
Players not considered: Finlay Christie (groin), Stephen Perofeta (shoulder), Lucas Cashmore (hamstring), Rieko Ioane (concussion protocol), Jordan Lay (ankle, season)
MATCH DAY INFO
GATES OPEN: 2:30pm - Grab your free Blues flag at gate entry.
FANS ON FIELD: This is your ultimate chance to grab an autograph or a selfie with the players post-match on the hallowed turf of Eden Park.
CHEAP FEEDS: 20% early bird discount on Food purchases from Eden Park retail outlets till 3pm.
SEE THE TEAM: 3:10pm Blues Players arrive at Gate A - welcome the team off the bus as they walk through the concourse.
LIVE COMMENTARY IN YOUR SEAT: You can listen to live audio commentary from your mobile phone using 4G. Livefeed offers near real-time audio, ensuring you never miss a single try, penalty or ref’s call. Just head to blues.livefeed.fm once you’ve arrived at the stadium.
CASH UP FOR GRABS! The nib Little Legends $10K Relay will see ten junior rugby teams/schools from around the Blues’ region of Auckland, North Harbour and Northland compete to win the $10,000 prize to support the health and wellbeing of their junior players and local community.
BLUES MERCH: Purchase online so you’re ready to show your support – head to shop.blues.rugby or check out our merchandise outlets at Eden Park.
WAHU LITTLE BLUES: 2.50pm kick off - Five junior teams will show off their skills in games of Rippa Rugby. We have teams from Glenfield, North Shore, Massey, Marist and Silverdale this week!
EASY ACCESS: Travel on trains and buses to and from the stadium is free from 1:00pm by showing your match day ticket. Click here to plan your journey with Auckland Transport.