IOANE & PEROFETA RETURN FOR CRUSADERS
A couple of Blues heavyweights, Rieko Ioane and Stephen Perofeta return to the starting lineup this weekend as the team travel to Christchurch to take on the Crusaders in DHL Super Rugby Pacific.
Ioane reclaims his spot at centre having returned from concussion, while Perofeta slots into fullback. Captain Patrick Tuipulotu is also welcomed back for the match, locking alongside Sam Darry.
Kurt Eklund starts again at hooker after scoring two tries last weekend, partnering Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Angus Ta’avao in the front row.
Blues Head Coach, Vern Cotter has reworked his loose forward trio this week, opting for a starting combination of Akira Ioane, Adrian Choat and Hoskins Sotutu with Cameron Suafoa coming off the bench.
“We’re lucky to have a battery of quality loosies to choose from,” said Cotter.
“This week Choaty, Aki and Hoskins have their chance and I have no doubt they will bring plenty of steel to their performance on Saturday,” he said.
In the backs, Taufa Funaki returns to the starting halfback spot, reinstating his combination with Harry Plummer. Corey Evans starts again at second five-eight while AJ Lam and Mark Tele’a hold down the wing spots.
Cotter said nothing changes for his side this Saturday night in Christchurch.
“We simply need to keep improving each week,” said Cotter.
“It’s great to welcome back the likes of Rieko and Stevie. They add plenty of calm and experience to our backline,” he said.
“We’ve selected a side to go down south and do a job. Wins down in Christchurch are rare for the Blues and we want to make sure we prepare well this week and go down with a focus and determination befitting of the occasion.”
Blues:
Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Kurt Eklund
Angus Ta’avao
Patrick Tuipulotu (c)
Sam Darry
Akira Ioane
Adrian Choat
Hoskins Sotutu
Taufa Funaki
Harry Plummer
AJ Lam
Corey Evans
Rieko Ioane
Mark Tele’a
Stephen Perofeta
Reserves:
Ricky Riccitelli
Joshua Fusitu’a
PJ Sheck
Josh Beehre
Cameron Suafoa
Sam Nock
Cole Forbes
Caleb Tangitau
Players not considered: Lucas Cashmore (hamstring), Finlay Christie (groin), Caleb Clarke (managing workload), Meihana Grindlay (finger), Bryce Heem (calf), Jordan Lay (ankle, season), Marcel Renata (calf), Zarn Sullivan (knee), Dalton Papali’i (managing workload), Laghlan McWhannell (concussion protocol)