TUIPULOTU BACK FOR SELL-OUT GRAND FINAL
Blues Captain Patrick Tuipulotu is back in the starting XV for this Saturday’s DHL Super Rugby Grand Final as the Blues take on the Chiefs at Eden Park at 7:05pm.
The Grand Final is sold out with the Blues ticketing team hoping to release limited additional tickets later in the week.
Tuipulotu returns two weeks after he suffered a tear to his medial ligament in his right knee but was cleared to play after testing the knee at training on Tuesday.
Blues Head Coach Vern Cotter said the decision to play Tuipulotu was made with careful medical consideration.
“Patty’s a Blues man through and through and came to us this week pretty keen to play in a Grand Final,” said Cotter.
“He tested the knee on Monday in the gym, then on the grass yesterday. He’s pulled up well and has the all-clear from our medical team – he’s a welcome addition to our pack, our talisman lock and leader,” he said.
Blues Team Doctor James McGarvey said the injury was a known quantity and he’s been guided by Tuipulotu on his return.
“Patty felt good on Monday and with strapping found he was able do everything rugby related with minimal symptoms. Given it’s a final, he decided to try to work through the week and play,” said McGarvey.
Elsewhere Cotter has made minimal changes to his victorious semi-final side with Josh Beehre making way for Tuipulotu and Bryce Heem returning from his calf injury to take a spot on the bench.
“There’s a deep desire in this group to go the whole way but to do that we need to be clear in our thinking, disciplined and not let the occasion get the better of us,” said Cotter.
“The Chiefs will be coming to spoil the party, we’ve got a sold out Eden Park that we hope will be awash in blue, this will be a great occasion and I can feel the excitement building in the group.”
Blues:
Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Ricky Riccitelli
Marcel Renata
Patrick Tuipulotu (c)
Sam Darry
Akira Ioane
Dalton Papali’i
Hoskins Sotutu
Finlay Christie
Harry Plummer
Caleb Clarke
AJ Lam
Rieko Ioane
Mark Tele’a
Stephen Perofeta
Reserves:
Kurt Eklund
Joshua Fusitu’a
Angus Ta’avao
Josh Beehre
Adrian Choat
Taufa Funaki
Bryce Heem
Cole Forbes
Players not considered: Jordan Lay (ankle), Zarn Sullivan (knee)
MATCH DAY INFO:
EASY ACCESS: Travel on buses and trains to and from the stadium is free from 3:00pm by showing your match day ticket. Click here to plan your journey with Auckland Transport including special event buses from the CBD & North Shore.
GATES OPEN: 5:00pm - Grab your free Blues flag at gate entry.
LASER SHOW EXTRAVAGANZA: Be sure to check out our special GRAND FINAL light and laser show at halftime.
CONCOURSE ACTIVATIONS: Barfoot & Thompson Tattoo Parlour, 2degrees Super Fan, The Rock Hanging Bar, KFC Catch the Colonel, South Seas Healthcare Passing Cage, Chemist Warehouse Pass the Ball and DHL TRY signs.
CHEAP FEEDS: 20% early bird discount on Food purchases from Eden Park retail outlets 5:00pm - 5:30pm.
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.
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.
BLUES HOSPITALITY: The Blues Premier Lounge and hospitality suites will open at 5:30pm.