The Blues have made two key changes in their starting line‑up to face the Stormers on Saturday, as they target a third consecutive Super Rugby win.
Otere Black comes in at first‑five in a direct swap, with Harry Plumber dropped to the bench, while co‑captain Patrick Tuipulotu starts at lock, replacing Josh Goodhue, who has a shoulder injury.
Props Karl Tu'inukiafe and Ofa Tungafasi, flanker Dalton Papalii, halfback Augustine Pulu and midfielder Sonny Bill Williams will all look to make a significant impact in the second half.
The Blues are favourites heading into the match, despite losing six of their last seven against the Cape Town‑based side.
On the flip side, the Stormers haven't won in New Zealand since 2013.
The Blues will face the Stormers at 6.35pm Saturday.
Blues: 1‑Alex Hodgman, 2‑James Parsons, 3‑Sione Mafileo, 4‑Gerard Cowley‑Tuioti, 5‑Josh Goodhue, 6‑Tom Robinson, 7‑Blake Gibson, 8‑Akira Ioane, 9‑Jonathan Ruru, 10‑Otere Black, 11‑Rieko Ioane, 12‑Ma'a Nonu, 13‑TJ Faiane, 14‑Tanielu Tele'a, 15‑Melani Nanai
Reserves: 16‑Matt Moulds, 17‑Ofa Tuungafasi, 18‑Karl Tu'inukuafe i, 19‑Scott Scrafton, 20‑Dalton Papalii, 21‑Augustine Pulu, 22‑Harry Plummer, 23‑Sonny Bill Williams
[Source: Newshub]
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