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20-year-old Zarn Sullivan named at fullback for final match of Blues' Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign
By Online Editors
The final outing in the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition is being planned as more of a start than a finish for the Blues when they host the Chiefs at Eden Park on Saturday evening.
While a bonus point victory would see them draw level with the Chiefs in second place in the competition, the Waikato-based side would still progress on a countback of wins.
As such, Blues coach Leon MacDonald is already refocussing on the Super Trans Tasman competition which begins in two weeks, with each Super side taking on their five rivals from across the Tasman.
“The last two weeks have been tough for sure. We’ve worked so hard and to a high level in training but not been able to replicate in recent games,” said MacDonald.
“Our focus remains on doing the simple things well and being more accurate so we can take advantage of the chances we continue to create.
“We are definitely focussing on the basics but we also want the players to express themselves and take chances.
“The Chiefs have a formidable pack so we have to front-up there to provide quality ball for our backs to shine. We want them to have the confidence to play their natural game but at the same time do it with accuracy just like they do on the training field.
“We do want to finish this competition off on a good note. Equally we want to use it as a stepping stone to move into the Trans Tasman competition which will be a stern test. It is an opportunity for us to reassert ourselves and produce the quality of rugby that we know we can deliver.”
The forward pack is relatively unchanged although Tom Robinson returns to blindside and captaincy with outstanding Dalton Papalii out with a knee injury and replaced by lively Auckland player Adrian Choat for his fourth appearance.
There are changes in the backline with Finlay Christie returning to start at halfback with Otere Black at pivot while Tanielu Tele’a gets another chance after being taken off following his heavy collision off the ball last weekend.
The changes come further out where the experienced Bryce Heem gets his second start on the right wing alongside exciting 20-year-old Zarn Sullivan who makes his debut at fullback, following an impressive Auckland debut in the Mitre-10 Cup.
There’s a strong look to the bench including All Blacks Ofa Tuungafasi and Akira Ioane, who played strongly off the bench last week.
MacDonald said it was an important night for the club in the historic double header with the nib Blues taking on the Waitomo Chiefs in the first ever women’s game between Super clubs.
The women kick off at 4.35pm and men at 7.05pm
Blues: Zarn Sullivan, Bryce Heem, Rieko Ioane, Tanielu Tele'a, Caleb Clarke, Otere Black, Finlay Christie, Hoskins Sotutu, Adrian Chota, Tom Robinson (c), Sam Darry, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Nepo Laulala, Kurt Eklund, Karl Tu'inukuafe. Reserves: Soane Vikena, Ofa Tuungafasi, Marcel Renata, Joshua Goodhue, Akira Ioane, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, AJ Lam.
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Latest Comments
I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.
Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.
Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.
They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.
That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.
Go to commentsGB = England, Scotland, Wales. UK = England, Wales, Scotland, NI
Nothing to stew son.
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