Payton Spencer, son of All Blacks and Blues legend Carlos Spencer, will get his first start after a poignant Super Rugby debut in last Saturday’s 35-20 win over the Waratahs in Sydney.
Spencer, 21, jumps from the bench to fullback for this weekend's clash with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua at Eden Park, nudging the impressive Cody Vai out of the starting line-up.
Cole Forbes returns on the right wing with Zarn Sullivan unavailable because of concussion.
All Black Dalton Papali’i misses this weekend because of a back injury and lock Sam Darry assumes the captaincy.
Anton Segner shifts from to openside flanker and Torian Barnes starts at blindside.
Another loose forward injury means No 8 Hoskins Sotutu is absent because of a knee problem and leaves Jed Melvin poised for his debut off the bench.
Taufa Funaki remains the starting halfback with All Black Finlay Christie returning to the 23 in reserve.
The Blues started the round second with a 4-2 record and face the ninth-placed Drua (2-3).
Vern Cotter’s team have never lost to the Fijians in their five encounters since 2022.
Blues: Payton Spencer, Cole Forbes, AJ Lam, Pita Ahki, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Taufa Funaki; Malachi Wrampling, Anton Segner, Torian Barnes, Sam Darry (capt), Josh Beehre, Marcel Renata, Bradley Slater, Ofa Tu’ungafasi. Reserves: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Sam Matenga, Che Clark, Jed Melvin (debut), Finlay Christie, Xavi Taele, Cody Vai.
The Drua play the Blues this Saturday at 6.05pm in Auckland.
In other games, Moana Pasifika host the Highlanders at 6.05pm tomorrow, the Brumbies will meet the Waratahs at 8.35pm.
On Saturday, the Hurricanes will face the Reds at 3.35pm, while the Force play the Chiefs at 8.35pm.
Source: Stuff.co.nz
