The Blues will head into this week's 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final against the Crusaders without Beauden Barrett, who remains sidelined with a quad injury.
The Blues have named their 23-member squad, with Stephen Perofeta starting at flyhalf.
Prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi is set to become the most-capped player in club history and will make his 165th appearance for the Blues, surpassing former club legend Keven Mealamu's record of 164 appearances.
The Blues have received another boost this week with the return of captain Patrick Tuipulotu and hooker Bradley Slater.
Meanwhile, All Black Dalton Papali’i and Māori All Blacks captain Kurt Eklund remain sidelined.
The Blues will take on the Crusaders at 4.35pm on Saturday.
In the other qualifying final, the Hurricanes will face the Brumbies at 7.05pm tomorrow, while the Chiefs will host the Reds at 7.05pm on Saturday.
Blues Team
1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (164)
2. Bradley Slater (9)
3. Marcel Renata (79)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c) (129)
5. Sam Darry (47)
6. Torian Barnes (12)
7. Anton Segner (52)
8. Malachi Wrampling (8)
9. Sam Nock (89)
10. Stephen Perofeta (80)
11. Caleb Clarke (87)
12. Pita Ahki (26)
13. Xavi Taele (19)
14. AJ Lam (72)
15. Zarn Sullivan (55)
Reserves: 16. Eli Oudenryn (1), 17. Mason Tupaea (22), 18. Flyn Yates (4), 19. Josh Beehre (38), 20. Hoskins Sotutu (90), 21. Finlay Christie (82), 22. Corey Evans (28), 23. Payton Spencer (3)
