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Blues stars return to starting XV for ‘exciting’ Crusaders clash
By Finn Morton
The Blues have included several All Blacks in their starting XV for their highly anticipated clash with the champion Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.
After losing to the defending Super Rugby Pacific champions 34-28 at Eden Park in round four, Blues coach Leon MacDonald has named a star studded side for the round 12 clash.
All Blacks Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane and Mark Telea are all set to reclaim their spots in the run-on XV this week, while Patrick Tuipulotu and Hoskins Sotutu will line up in the forwards.
Hooker Ricky Riccitelli and flanker Adria Choat have also been named. But the Blues have left All Blacks midfield Roger Tuivasa-Sheck out of the matchday 23.
As coach Leon MacDonald discussed, the playoff race for a top four spot is getting “hot” – and this match will have a major say on the regular season.
The Blues, who are currently third on the ladder, will travel south to take on the competitions fourth-ranked side at Orangetheory Stadium.
“The stats suggest we’re going to see an exciting game of rugby and as the playoff race starts to get hot, all teams in the top four mix know the value of home advantage in the first week of the playoffs,” MacDonald said in a statement.
“A win on Saturday will keep us right in the mix for that top four.”
All Black Ofa Tu’ungafasi will take his place in the front row this week alongside Riccitelli and prop Marcel Renata. Locks Patrick Tuipulotu and Sam Darry round out the tight five.
Adrian Choat, Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu make up the backrow trio for the Blues, and the backline speaks for itself.
Led by halves duo Finlay Christie and Beauden Barrett, the Blues have five All Blacks in their backline – with the experienced Harry Plummer and in-form outside Zarn Sullivan the two exceptions.
As for the bench, All Black Akira Ioane is in line for 100th match in Blues colours this weekend.
“Aki’s a true soldier for us and has been for many years. He’s the type of player you want next to you going into battle and it’s been a privilege to share a changing room with him over the years,” captain Dalton Papali’i said.
“We know what we’re walking into down in Christchurch – it’s going to be physical. We know what it takes to win down there, and we can take confidence in the fact that we’ve done it before.”
Echoing the captains’ comments, MacDonald also congratulated “Aki” on the milestone.
“I want to congratulate Aki on reaching his 100-game milestone – a serious achievement and testament to the fact he’s kept his fitness and body in good order over many season,” MacDonald said in a statement.
“He showed his value last weekend against Moana Pasifika and we’ll be looking to him for impact down in Christchurch.
“His ball playing skills are well-documented and he often finds an offload where others can’t.
Blues team to take on Crusaders
- Ofa Tu’ungafasi
- Ricky Riccitelli
- Marcel Renata
- Patrick Tuipulotu
- Sam Darry
- Adrian Choat
- Dalton Papali’i
- Hoskins Sotutu
- Finlay Christie
- Beauden Barrett
- Caleb Clarke
- Harry Plummer
- Rieko Ioane
- Mark Telea
- Zarn Sullivan
Replacements:
- Kurt Eklund
- Jordan Lay
- James Lay
- Cam Suafoa
- Akira Ioane
- Sam Nock
- Bryce Heem
- AJ Lam
Not considered: Alex Hodgman, Nepo Laulala, Stephen Perofeta, Tanielu Telea
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Latest Comments
No he's just limited in what he can do. Like Scott Robertson. And Eddie Jones.
Sometimes it doesn't work out so you have to go looking for another national coach who supports his country and believes in what he is doing. Like NZ replacing Ian Foster. And South Africa bringing Erasmus back in to over see Neinbar.
This is the real world. Not the fantasy oh you don't need passion for your country for international rugby. Ask a kiwi, or a south african or a frenchman.
Go to commentsDont complain too much or start jumping to conclusions.
Here in NZ commentators have been blabbing that our bottom pathway competition the NPC (provincial teams only like Taranaki, Wellington etc)is not fit for purpose ie supplying players to Super rugby level then they started blabbing that our Super Rugby comp (combined provincial unions making up, Crusaders, Hurricanes, etc) wasn't good enough without the South African teams and for the style SA and the northern powers play at test level.
Here is what I reckon, Our comps are good enough for how WE want to play rugby not how Ireland, SA, England etc play. Our comps are high tempo, more rucks, mauls, running plays, kicks in play, returns, in a game than most YES alot of repetition but that builds attacking skillsets and mindsets. I don't want to see world teams all play the same they all have their own identity and style as do England (we were scared with all this kind of talk when they came here) World powerhouse for a reason, losses this year have been by the tiniest of margins and could have gone either way in alot of games. Built around forward power and blitz defence they have got a great attack Wingers are chosen for their Xfactor now not can they chase up and unders all day. Stick to your guns its not far off
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