All Blacks duo set to return for Blues’ blockbuster clash with Brumbies

All Blacks Patrick Tuipulotu and Mark Tele’a are back in the mix for the Blues in time for their blockbuster derby against the high-flying ACT Brumbies at Eden Park on Saturday night.

The Blues and Brumbies sit in the top four on the Super Rugby Pacific standings so a loss for either side could have a major say in the race for home playoff spots.

Coach Vern Cotter has made four changes to the staring side after the big win over the Western Force a fortnight ago, which includes the return of team captain Patrick Tuipulotu.

Tuipulotu is set for his third appearance of the season after taking the field against the Crusaders in round five and Moana Pasifika one week later.

The return of the All Blacks lock and wing Mark Tele’a, who is looking to add to his five try tally this season, is a major boost for the Blues ahead of this tough task.

“Clearly the Brumbies are tracking really well this season, they’ve been impressive both offensively and defensively and will be a handful on Saturday at Eden Park,” coach Cotter said in a statement.

“We’re locked together on points, we’ve won the same number of games and whoever wins on Saturday will claim outright second on the points table – it’s a big match there’s no doubt about that.”

Marcel Renata also comes into the starting side at tighhead prop and Bryce Heem at inside centre as the only other two changes to the Blues’ First XV.

Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Ricky Riccitelli will pack down with Renata in the front-row, while Tuipulotu joins Laghlan McWhannell to round out the tight give.

All Blacks Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu will be the loose forward trio once again this weekend.

Taufa Funaki has retained his spot at halfback with New Zealand international Finlay Christie unavailable due to a groin complaint. Funaki will link up with Harry Plummer in the halves.

Bryce Heem joins Rieko Ioane in the midfield, while Caleb Clarke, Mark Tele’a and Cole Forbes are the outside backs.

Gates open at 5:30 pm NZT with the match getting underway less than two hours later at 7:05 pm at Auckland’s Eden Park.

Blues team to take on ACT Brumbies

1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi
2. Ricky Riccitelli
3. Marcel Renata
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c)
5. Laghlan McWhannell
6. Akira Ioane
7. Dalton Papali’i
8. Hoskins Sotutu
9. Taufa Funaki
10. Harry Plummer
11. Caleb Clarke
12. Bryce Heem
13. Rieko Ioane
14. Mark Tele’a
15. Cole Forbes

Replacements

16. Kurt Eklund
17. Joshua Fusitu’a
18. Angus Ta’avao
19. Sam Darry
20. Adrian Choat
21. Sam Nock
22. Lucas Cashmore
23. AJ Lam

Players not considered: Stephen Perofeta (shoulder), Finlay Christie (groin), Zarn Sullivan (knee), Rob Rush (calf), Cam Suafoa (sickness)