Cotter makes two changes to starting XV for Drua clash

The Auckland Blues have named a largely unchanged side for Friday night’s Round 13 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific match against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in Suva.

Head coach Vern Cotter has made just two changes to the starting XV that delivered a convincing win over the Western Force in Round 12.

Corey Evans earns a start at fullback while AJ Lam runs out on the left wing.

Joshua Fusitu’a, Ricky Riccitelli and Marcel Renata will form the tight three, while captain Patrick Tuipulotu will partner with Laghlan McWhannell at locks.

Anton Segner will team up with Dalton Papali’i at flanker, and Hoskins Sotutu will start at number 8.

Taufa Funaki will again team up with Beauden Barrett at the halves, while Lam and Cole Forbes will start at the wings.

Xavi Taele will partner with Rieko Ioane at the centres, and Evans is at fullback.

Due to injuries, Caleb Clarke (thigh), Stephen Perofeta (leg), Reon Paul (shoulder), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck, season), and Sam Darry (shoulder, season) have their names omitted from the 23-member squad.

The Blues will take on the Fijian Drua at 7.05pm Friday at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva.