Patrick Tuipulotu to make shock return for Blues in Super Rugby Pacific final

Eden Park is ready for an almighty rumble in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific final, and the home team have been boosted by the return of captain Partick Tuipulotu for the big dance.

The return comes as a big surprise given it was initially expected to miss not just the remainder of the Super Rugby season but also the opening All Blacks fixtures of the year against England and Fiji.

The captain's return will come as a huge relief to Blues and All Blacks fans alike, while pushing young second-row Josh Beehre to the bench after an impressive outing in the semi-final.

"Patty's a Blues man, through and through, and came to us this week pretty keen to play in a Grand Final. He tested the knee on Monday in the gym, then on the grass yesterday," said Blues coach Vern Cotter.

"He's pulled up well and has the all-clear from our medical team - he's a welcome addition to our pack, our talisman lock and leader.

"Patty felt good on Monday and, with strapping found, he was able to do everything rugby-related with minimal symptoms," said Blues doctor James McGarvey. "Given it’s a final, he decided to try to work through the week and play."

The Blues centurion assumes captaincy and is joined by Bryce Heem in returning from injury, with the midfielder taking up the No. 22 jersey on the bench.

Blues team to face the Chiefs 

1. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
2. Ricky Riccitelli
3. Marcel Renata
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c)
5. Sam Darry
6. Akira Ioane
7. Dalton Papali'i
8. Hoskins Sotutu
9. Finlay Christie
10. Harry Plummer
11. Caleb Clarke
12. AJ Lam
13. Rieko Ioane
14. 14-Mark Tele'a
15. Stephen Perofeta

Reserves:

16. Kurt Eklund

17. Joshua Fusitu'a

18. Angus Ta'avao

19. Josh Beehre

20. Adrian Choat

21. Taufa Funaki

22. Bryce Heem

23. Cole Forbes