The Blues head to Christchurch tonight for a heavyweight clash with the defending Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific champions, the Crusaders, in what will be their first local derby at the new One NZ Stadium.
It shapes up as a key contest, with the Blues building momentum at the right time of the season following three straight wins, including last week’s 45-19 win over Moana Pasifika.
The Blues are boosted by the return of three key forwards, with Dalton Papali’i, Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Bradley Slater all named to start.
There is also a milestone looming for Anton Segner, who will bring up his 50th appearance and is set to provide impact off the bench, while Malachi Wrampling starts at blindside flanker.
Several injuries have forced changes to the forwards rotation following last week’s win, with Ben Ake (ankle), Marcel Renata (chest) and Josh Beehre (back) all unavailable this week.
In the backs, Stephen Perofeta starts again at first five, with Beauden Barrett to provide impact from the bench, while AJ Lam starts at centre.
The two sides last met in Round 4 at Eden Park, where the Blues won 29-13 thanks to a Caleb Clarke hat-trick.
Head coach Vern Cotter expects a very different challenge tonight, saying the Crusaders pride themselves on their physicality and accuracy, and his side’s focus has been on staying connected for the full 80 minutes.
The Blues will meet the Crusaders at 7.05 tonight.
In other matches, the Reds will take on the Chiefs at 9.35 tonight, the Highlanders will meet the Waratahs at 4.35pm tomorrow, Moana Pasifika will face the Hurricanes at 7.05pm, and the Brumbies will host the Force at 9.35pm.
Blues Team - Round 13 vs Crusaders
1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2. Bradley Slater, 3. Sam Matenga, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Sam Darry, 6. Malachi Wrampling, 7. Dalton Papali’i, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Sam Nock,
10. Stephen Perofeta, 11. Caleb Clarke,
12. Pita Ahki, 13. AJ Lam, 14. Kade Banks,
15. Zarn Sullivan.
Reserves: 16. James Mullan, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Flyn Yates, 19. Laghlan McWhannell, 20. Anton Segner, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Beauden Barrett, 23. Xavi Taele
