Blues new captain returns to starting side for clash with the Chiefs
The Blues welcome back their new captain and All Black, Dalton Papalii to the starting line-up for Saturday’s return to Eden Park to take on neighbours the Chiefs in DHL Super Rugby Pacific.
The team, returning to Auckland on Thursday afternoon from the temporary base in Queenstown, is virtually the same combination that was pipped 33-32 in the first outing against the Hurricanes.
The only changes to the starting line-up see Papalii back to full fitness on the openside flank, and NPC player of the year, Stephen Perofeta to start at fullback.
The pack has a strong look with Alex Hodgman, Nepo Laulala, Luke Romano, Hoskins Sotutu and Papalii all having worn the All Black jersey.
The inside back combination of Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Rieko Ioane return along with wingers Caleb Clarke and Mark Telea, who both enjoyed storming games last weekend.
A powerful bench includes Ofa Tuungafasi with a potential return for fellow All Black Beauden Barrett, bracketed on the bench, as he returns to full fitness from a head knock.
“The team is looking forward to returning home to their families, although we have some strict protocols in place to keep as safe as possible from the covid virus,” said head coach Leon MacDonald.
“For over 70 minutes we were pleased with the rugby that the boys played. On the plus side, it was our first game and we will be better for that run, although the boys clearly understand that the game is played over 80 minutes.
“There were a lot of things we did well, but we will need to keep improving every game, especially with the challenge the Chiefs present with a strong pack and talent across the field.”
The game will be played without crowds, but with a smattering of stakeholders, with kickoff at the earlier time of 4.45pm.
Blues team to play Chiefs:
1. Alex Hodgman (43 caps)
2. Kurt Eklund (25)
3. Nepo Laulala (14)
4. Luke Romano (1)
5. Josh Goodhue (39)
6. Tom Robinson (35)
7. Dalton Papalii (45)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (25)
9. Finlay Christie (19)
10. Harry Plummer (45)
11. Caleb Clarke (28)
12. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (1)
13. Rieko Ioane (74)
14. Mark Telea (26)
15. Stephen Perofeta (32)
Reserves:
16. Ricky Riccitelli (1)
17. Ofa Tuungafasi (108)
18. Marcel Renata (20)
19. Sam Darry (5)
20. Adrian Choat (5)
21. Sam Nock (42)
22. Beauden Barrett (7)/Zarn Sullivan (7)
23. AJ Lam (9)
Not considered with injury: Akira Ioane
Latest Comments
Best wishes for the new year Nick. I must confess to being a Marcus fan. Let's put it this way. When I was playing fly half the last flyhalf I would like to see opposite me was someone who played just like Marcus. He is a very gutsy defender, covers the corner brilliantly, has (most times) around 75% place kick accuracy, has a knack of putting the ball into space behind the opposition, with ball in hand he reminds me of Carlos Spencer, and most of all is absolutely unpredictable.
Go to commentsAgreed .
Sale we're just terrific and suffocated the life out of Bristol and forced them into a forward tussle. Had Mcginty been playing it may have beeen a different outcome but it was what it was .
Was it good watch ?? Yes if you were a Sale fan , Sanderson must take credit for excellent coaching .
Otherwise no. It was pragmatic , don't let the other team play and dullness won the day .
Admittedly by quite a margin .
Bath show you can do both and I hope they do well .
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