All Blacks number 8 Hoskins Sotutu, who has links to Fiji, has been named to start at number 8 for the Blues when they take on defending Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific champions the Crusaders this Friday.
Sotutu has been performing consistently for the Blues this season and is expected to be named in the extended All Blacks squad for the upcoming July test series and hopefully the Rugby World Cup in Paris later this year.
Sotutu played 12 matches in the 14 games the Blues played this season and has started in all of them.
Sotutu is the son of former Flying Fijians vice-captain Waisake Sotutu.
The Blues squad named to face the Crusaders are: Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricki Ricciteli, Nepo Laulala, Tom Robinson, James Tucker, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Bryce Heem, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea and Zarn Sullivan.
The impact players are: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer and Stephen Perofeta.
The Blues will take on the Crusaders at 7.05pm in Christchurch.
The Chiefs will host the Brumbies at 7.05pm Saturday in the second semi-final.
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