CASHMORE LEGACY CONTINUES AT BLUES
The Blues are gearing up for Friday night under the lights against the Western Force at Eden Park in Round Seven of DHL Super Rugby Pacific action.
Dalton Papali'i will lead the side this week in the absence of Patrick Tuipulotu, forming a formidable loose trio with Akira Ioane and Hoskins Sotutu.
A new nine-ten combination sees Taufa Funaki start at halfback, with Harry Plummer at pivot, while Lucas Cashmore, nephew of former Blues fullback, Adrian Cashmore is a potential debutant off the bench.
Corey Evans joins Rieko Ioane in the midfield on Friday night while AJ Lam assumes the right wing. Cole Forbes gets his first start in the Blues jersey after some impressive performances off the bench.
Blues Head Coach, Vern Cotter said while there’s been some forced changes this week, the team is in a settled frame of mind.
“With a short turnaround we’re lucky to have Dalton step in and lead the side, it’s a seamless transition given he captained at the start of the season and is a familiar voice in the leadership group.”
“We’ve been giving plenty of the group game time this season and this week is no different, we know the Force are coming here to disrupt us so we’ve got to be fully focussed on the job at hand on Friday night.”
Blues:
Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Ricky Riccitelli
Angus Ta’avao
Josh Beehre
Laghlan McWhannell
Akira Ioane
Dalton Papali’i
Hoskins Sotutu
Taufa Funaki
Harry Plummer
Caleb Clarke
Corey Evans
Rieko Ioane
AJ Lam
Cole Forbes
Reserves:
Soane Vikena
Joshua Fusitu’a
Marcel Renata
Anton Segner
Adrian Choat
Sam Nock
Lucas Cashmore*
Caleb Tangitau
*Potential debut
Players not considered: Sam Darry (knee), Stephen Perofeta (shoulder), Mark Tele’a (ribs), Finlay Christie (groin), Patrick Tuipulotu (concussion protocol), Bryce Heem (concussion protocol), Zarn Sullivan (knee), Rob Rush (calf), Cam Suafoa (sickness), Kade Banks (concussion protocol)
Friday 3 April
Blues v Western Force
Kick-off 7.05pm
EDEN PARK, Auckland
LIVE on Sky Sport and Gold Sport & iHeart Radio