BLUES WELCOME BACK HEAVY HITTERS FOR HIGHLANDERS
Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Akira Ioane return to the Blues side this weekend as the team travel to Melbourne for DHL Super Rugby Pacific’s ‘Super Round’ to take on the Highlanders on Friday night at 8pm (NZT).
Blues Head Coach Vern Cotter has made several changes to his side with an eye to building depth in the squad while also welcoming back those players from injury for the Super Round clash.
“It’s great to welcome back Akira and Ofa this weekend, both are high quality players who we’re sure will make a big impact on Friday night,” said Cotter.
“Ofa joins a new-look front row for this match, it’s crucial we build depth in those tight forward positions and to welcome someone of his calibre back to the starting team is very pleasing.”
“Akira is a big, bruising loosie who imposes himself on any match. He’s starting to dial it up at training so it will be good to let him loose on the opposition this weekend.”
“Laghlan McWhannell gets his crack at lock, he’s been impressive through the pre-season and is itching to get out there. We were really impressed with Josh Beehre in his debut match last weekend and we’re happy with the depth we are building in that position,” said Cotter.
Meanwhile in the backline, Taufa Funaki gets a start at halfback while Bryce Heem and AJ Lam have a chance to impress in the midfield.
“We’re going to need our entire squad fit and firing in this campaign and halfback is no exception. We’ve got three quality players in that position and Taufa gets his chance to impress on Friday night,” said Cotter.
“Rieko felt his hammy a little against the Drua so this is an opportune time to manage his workload and make sure that’s 100 percent.”
“It’s been a special week for Bryce as he returns to the side after welcoming his third child to the family. He’s an experienced campaigner and a big body so we expect him to bend the defensive line and create opportunities around him.”
“AJ is a gifted rugby player, he’s versatile and very capable. He replaced Rieko at centre in the weekend and that’s where he gets his chance on Friday night – a great opportunity for him to show us what he’s got.”
The Blues and Highlanders kick-off Super Round at 8pm (NZT) on Friday night at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
Blues
1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi
2, Ricky Riccitelli
3. Marcel Renata
4. Laghlan McWhannell
5. Sam Darry
6. Akira Ioane
7. Dalton Papali’i (c)
8. Hoskins Sotutu
9. Taufa Funaki
10. Stephen Perofeta
11. Caleb Clarke
12. Bryce Heem
13. AJ Lam
14. Mark Tele’a
15. Zarn Sullivan
Reserves:
16. Soane Vikena
17. Joshua Fusitu’a
18. Angus Ta’avao
19. Josh Beehre
20. Adrian Choat
21. Sam Nock
22. Harry Plummer
23. Cole Forbes
Players not considered: Patrick Tuipulotu (jaw), Rieko Ioane (load management), Finlay Christie (load management)