BLUES NAMED FOR ANZAC WEEKEND ROUND

The Blues have named their team for Friday night’s Anzac Weekend Round match-up against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane.

Head coach Vern Cotter has made several changes following last week’s narrow loss to the Crusaders.

Beauden Barrett will come off the bench as he returns from illness, with Harry Plummer earning the start at first five.

In the forward pack, Kurt Eklund returns to the starting side at hooker with Ricky Riccitelli moving to the bench.

There’s a reshuffle in the loose forwards with Cam Christie starting at blindside flanker, while Anton Segner shifts to openside in the absence of Dalton Papali’i, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury.

“The Reds are a powerful team that are coming off a bye. Switching on early will be key to not giving them a fast start,” Cotter said.

“Focusing in on preparing well has been front of mind for the players and getting our processes right for a good performance.

“Playing on Anzac Day adds a lot and this is an important game for us.”

Blues Team for Round 11

9.35pm (NZT), Friday 25 April vs Reds

1. Joshua Fusitu’a (30)

2. Kurt Eklund (68)

3. Angus Ta’avao (75)

4. Patrick Tuipulotu (capt) (117)

5. Josh Beehre (20)

6. Cam Christie (5)

7. Anton Segner (31)

8. Hoskins Sotutu (72)

9. Finlay Christie (63)

10. Harry Plummer (83)

11. Mark Tele’a (76)

12. AJ Lam (51)

13. Rieko Ioane (121)

14. Cole Forbes (23)

15. Zarn Sullivan (39)

Reserves: 16. Ricky Riccitelli (44), 17. Mason Tupaea (4), 18. Hamdahn Tuipolotu (1), 19. Laghlan McWhannell (16), 20. Adrian Choat (48), 21. Sam Nock (77), 22. Beauden Barrett (37), 23. Corey Evans (21)

Players not considered due to injury: Dalton Papali’i (ankle), Caleb Clarke (thigh), Marcel Renata (calf), Reon Paul (shoulder), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck, season), Sam Darry (shoulder, season).