Star wing Rieko Ioane will return to the Blues for their Super Rugby derby against the Hurricanes tonight with rookie Harry Plummer handed the start at first‑five.
Newshub reports Ioane missed last week's loss to the Brumbies on All Blacks welfare leave, but will be back in the number‑11 jersey, as his team seek to break a three‑game losing streak and keep their playoff hopes alive.
The Auckland‑based side are currently fourth in the New Zealand conference and four points outside a top‑six playoff spot overall.
The Blues meet the Hurricanes at 7.35 tonight at Eden Park.
The Crusaders meet the Bulls 5.10am tomorrow in Pretoria while the Highlanders play the Jaguares at 5.15pm tomorrow in Dunedin.
The Chiefs meet the Sharks in Waikato at 7.35pm Saturday while the Lions face the Waratahs at 1.05am Sunday.
Blues: 1‑Karl Tu'inukuafe, 2‑James Parsons, 3‑Ofa Tuungafasi, 4‑Patrick Tuipulotu, 5‑Josh Goodhue, 6‑Dalton Papalii, 7‑Blake Gibson, 8‑Akira Ioane, 9‑Sam Nock, 10‑Harry Plummer, 11‑Rieko Ioane, 12‑Ma'a Nonu, 13‑TJ Faiane, 14‑Tanielu Tele'a, 15‑Melani Nanai
Reserves: 16‑Leni Apisai, 17‑Ezekiel Lindenmuth, 18‑Marcel Renata, 19‑Scott Scrafton, 20‑Jed Brown, 21‑Augustine Pulu, 22‑Otere Black, 23‑Matt Duffie
[Source:Newshub]
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