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'Willing to work hard': Blues welcome back two All Blacks for Rebels clash
By Finn Morton
Make no mistake, the Blues know they need to “get the points” against the Rebels at Melbourne’s AAMI Park on Saturday evening.
The Blues started their Super Rugby Pacific with a convincing 40-point win over the Highlanders in Dunedin, before losing the Brumbies in Super Round.
After six games this season, the Blues have lost three of their matches. For a team with title ambitions, their 2023 campaign hasn’t quite gone to plan so far.
Following their loss to the ladder leading Chiefs in Hamilton last weekend, the Blues sit in fifth place on the ladder. But a loss against the Rebels could spell disaster.
Blues captain Dalton Papali’i spoke about the “standards” that the team expect of themselves ahead of their trip across the ditch.
“That’s the standards we set, that’s the standards we expecting of ourselves, we’re going to Melbourne to get the points,” Papali’i said in a statement.
“I can’t fault the boys for turning up and putting in the effort each week. If you look around, guys are going those little extras at training and looking to improve their game.
“That’s the sign of a team who are committed and willing to work hard for each other.”
The Blues have made five changes to their starting XV ahead of their clash against the Rebels at 9:45pm NZT on Saturday.
All Blacks Patrick Tuipulotu and Mark Telea are both set to return to the Blues’ run-on side this week.
Tuipulotu is set to pack down in the second row alongside Sam Darry, who is set for his second-straight start in the No. 5 jumper.
Flanker Adria Choat is set to start in the No. 6 jersey, while Germany-born talent Anton Segner shifts to the back of the scrum.
As for the backline, All Black Mark Telea is set to return on the right wing, while Zarn Sullivan has been handed his second start of the season at fullback.
“All the ingredients are there, it’s just about putting them together for 80 minutes,” assistant coach Craig McGrath said.
“Seeing the likes of Soane and Caleb come onto the bench this weekend really shows the depth of talent we have across the board.
“Soane’s been training the house down lately and deserves his crack while Caleb is young and full of energy – an exciting prospect with plenty of pace!
“I really enjoyed my time in Melbourne, it’s a great city and a place that really embraces their sports teams.
“The Rebels are playing some decent footy, especially at home, so we’ll need to turn up on Saturday night with purpose and direction.”
Blues team to take on the Rebels
- Jordan Lay
- Ricky Riccitelli
- Nepo Laulala
- Patrick Tuipulotu
- Sam Darry
- Adrian Choat
- Dalton Papali’i (c)
- Anton Segner
- Finlay Christie
- Beauden Barrett
- Caleb Clarke
- Harry Plumer
13 Rieko Ioane
- Mark Telea
- Zarn Sullivan
Replacements:
- Soane Vikena
- Ofa Tu’ungafasi
- James Lay
- Cameron Suafoa
- Tom Robinson
- Sam Nock
- Corey Evans
- Caleb Tangitau
Not considered: Bryce Heem, Alex Hodgman, Akira Ioane, Stephen Perofeta, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Hoskins Sotutu, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
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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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