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Blues add firepower to their front row for Crusaders derby
By Online Editors
The Blues will return home to Eden Park to host defending champions Crusaders in the traditional barn-burning Super Rugby clash on Friday night.
The two teams have a traditional rivalry like no other, including the 24-22 thriller decided after fulltime at Eden Park last year.
“When the Super Rugby schedule comes out you always look first for the Crusaders game. They are the benchmark. It is the game where the hairs on the back of your neck bristle and this one will be no different,” said Blues head coach Leon MacDonald.
“I know the boys are excited about this one. We know they will bring their best game to Eden Park – they always do – and especially so after a loss. And we will bring the best we have. I am sure it will be an amazing game.”
The Blues will have all their key All Blacks back on starting duties led by captain Patrick Tuipulotu and Ofa Tu'ungafasi who, along with James Parsons, will make their first starts this season, completing a formidable front row with the in-form Karl Tu’inukuafe.
The back row remains intact from the win over the Waratahs with All Black flanker Dalton Papalii joining Blake Gibson and Hoskins Sotutu, who both produced eye-catching displays in Newcastle.
The backline remains unchanged with the likes of Stephen Perofeta nearing his blazer game and dual international Matt Duffie closing in on his 50th for the Blues.
Players not considered because of injury include Finlay Christie (neck), Gerard Cowley-Tuioti (shoulder), Jared Page (hamstring), Tanielu Tele’a (shoulder), James Tucker (knee), Alex Hodgman (calf), Ray Niuia (knee) and Rieko Ioane (hand).
Blues: Matt Duffie, Jordan Hyland, Joe Marchant, TJ Faiane, Mark Tele'a, Stephen Perofeta, Jonathan Ruru, Hoskins Sotutu, Blake Gibson, Dalton Papalii, Josh Goodhue, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Ofa Tu'ungafasi, James Parsons, Karl Tu'inukuafe. Reserves: Kurt Eklund, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Sione Mafileo, Tom Robinson, Tony Lamborn, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Emoni Narawa.
Sevu Reece has extended his contract with New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders:
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Latest Comments
I wonder Jake, who do you think is the best fit for Australia as a coach? Not since Joe Schmidt took over as coach did Australia look any good, however, there is always this debate around not having an Aussie coach by the fans and so called pundits and old players.
Some of them are changing their minds now however, but I would love to see who you would choose. I think Joe Schmidt is an excellent coach, who puts in everything for the team he is coaching. To him, there is no such thing as being biased.
Go to commentsExcept for the 6N he has won nothing. No WC's, no Lions tours not anything. He is ranked even behind Eddie Jones, who has won a WC with SA and have a better victory rate than Gatland. Keep your so called "best coach" in the world. No one but Wales wants him. A very harsh Hell No comes to mind if anyone asks if they would want Gatland as head coach.
Guess the man is wearing blinders. Rob Howley is howling mad describing Gatland as the best. What a load of 💩
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