BLUES PRIMED FOR BRUMBIES CHALLENGE
The Blues have made one enforced change to their side for Friday night’s DHL Super Rugby Pacific Semi Final showdown against the ACT Brumbies at Eden Park, 7:05pm.
Lock Sam Darry returns to the starting side after sitting out last week under concussion protocols, replacing skipper Patrick Tuipulotu who is sidelined with a knee injury.
The change also means openside flanker Dalton Papali’i assumes the Blues captaincy for the Semi Final on Friday night.
Blues Head Coach, Vern Cotter said an emphasis on rugby basics will ensure the team are in a good position to perform.
“We don’t need to do anything drastically different just because we’re playing a Semi Final,” said Cotter.
“We know what’s served us well this season, strong ball carries, breakdown efficiency and astute decision making – nothing changes on Friday night,” he said.
It will be a special night for Blues loose forward Akira Ioane who has confirmed this season will be his last in blue before heading overseas.
“Aki is a veteran of this team, a man of action and someone who commands respect from both his team mates and his opposition,” said Cotter.
“The boys know this could be the last time he runs out on Eden Park in a Blues jersey and we want to make sure we put in a performance worthy of the occasion,” he said.
“The crowd and atmosphere are everything in these knockout matches.”
“Having a large group greet us off the bus at Gate A last game was awesome and gave the boys a lift. Hopefully we see another big crowd on Friday night – tickets for kids are just 10 dollars so we hope families will come out in force!”
Blues:
Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Ricky Riccitelli
Marcel Renata
Sam Darry
Josh Beehre
Akira Ioane
Dalton Papali’i (c)
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
James Thompson
Adrian Choat
Taufa Funaki
Corey Evans
Cole Forbes
Players not considered: Patrick Tuipulotu (knee), Bryce Heem (calf), Jordan Lay (ankle, season), Zarn Sullivan (knee)
MATCH DAY INFO:
EASY ACCESS: Travel on buses to and from the stadium is free from 3:30pm by showing your match day ticket. Click here to plan your journey with Auckland Transport.
GATES OPEN: 5:30pm - Grab your free Blues flag at gate entry.
YOUR CHANCE TO WIN: KFC Catch the Colonel, 2degrees Super Fan, Chemist Warehouse Pass the Ball and The Rock Hanging Bar!
CHEAP FEEDS: 20% early bird discount on Food purchases from Eden Park retail outlets 5:30pm - 6:00pm.
THE BLUE MILE: 5:30pm Blues Players arrive at Gate A - welcome the team off the bus as they walk through the concourse.
LASER SHOW EXTRAVAGANZA: Don’t miss the first ever halftime LASER SHOW at Eden Park, it’s going to be epic!
SOAK UP THE ATMOS: Grab a drink at the ‘Tuatara Container Bar’ on the West concourse pre-game and soak in the atmosphere.
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.