COTTER CONSISTENT IN SELECTION FOR QF
Blues Head Coach Vern Cotter has opted for consistency in his team selection this week as the Blues host the Fijian Drua in a DHL Super Rugby Pacific Quarter Final on Saturday night at Eden Park, 7:05pm (NZT).
Cotter has made only one forced change to the starting pack this week with lock Josh Beehre elevated to the starting XV to replace Sam Darry who sits out under concussion protocols.
In the backs, Rieko Ioane returns to centre after missing last week, where he will partner AJ Lam in the midfield.
Last weekend’s backline reshuffle is reversed with Harry Plummer slotting back into first five-eight and Stephen Perofeta returning to fullback.
Destructive duo Mark Tele’a and Caleb Clarke maintain their positions on the right and left wings respectively.
Cotter said the team have sharpened their focus ahead of playing knockout rugby.
“There’s no tomorrow if you lose these games so we need to be accurate, disciplined and clear in what we want to achieve against the Drua,” said Cotter.
“We know the Drua will bring a physical presence to the occasion; they always do. This week is about preparing ourselves mentally for a bruising encounter and ensuring we’re in the right headspace come Saturday night,” he said.
Cotter said the team were buoyed by the turn out at Eden Park last weekend and is calling on Blues fans to turn up in droves on Saturday night.
“A big, loud and passionate crowd really does lift the team,” he said.
“It was great having lots of fans there to welcome us off the bus at Gate A and to hear all 22,000 of them getting behind the team was special.”
“Hopefully our people can return to Eden Park on Saturday night for some finals footy – we’ll be doing everything we can to put on a good show!”
Blues:
Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Ricky Riccitelli
Marcel Renata
Patrick Tuipulotu (c)
Josh Beehre
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
Cameron Suafoa
Adrian Choat
Taufa Funaki
Corey Evans
Cole Forbes
Players not considered: Lucas Cashmore (hamstring), Sam Darry (concussion protocol), Bryce Heem (calf), Jordan Lay (ankle, season), Laghlan McWhannell (concussion protocol), Zarn Sullivan (knee)
MATCH DAY INFO:
EASY ACCESS: Travel on buses to and from the stadium is free from 1.45pm by showing your match day ticket. Click here to plan your journey.
GATES OPEN: 3:45pm - Grab your free Blues flag at gate entry.
CURTAIN RAISER: Auckland 1A 1st XV - St Peter’s College v De La Salle College - kick off 4:15pm.
CHEAP FEEDS: 20% early bird discount on Food purchases from Eden Park retail outlets 5 - 5:30pm.
THE BLUE MILE: 5:35pm Blues Players arrive at Gate A - welcome the team off the bus as they walk through the concourse.
LIVE MUSIC: There will be live music at the ‘Tuatara Container Bar’ on the West 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.
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 Level 4 and Centenary Lounges will open at 5:30pm. However ticket holders are welcome to watch the Curtain-raiser from the Level 4 balcony prior to the lounges opening.