The Blues have named their side for Saturday night’s Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Hurricanes at Eden Park.
Loose forward Dalton Papali’i has been ruled out after suffering a jaw injury in last week’s match against the Crusaders.
Papali’i’s absence sees Anton Segner slot in at openside flanker, while Malachi Wrampling earns another start at blindside.
There are several other changes, with Marcel Renata returning at tighthead prop, Beauden Barrett starting at first five, Xavi Taele at centre and AJ Lam on the right wing.
Head coach Vern Cotter said the team is ready to respond in front of a home crowd.
“Last week hurt and the group knows we need to be better in the areas that matter. We’ve had a strong week of preparation and there’s real intent around the way we want to play on Saturday night,” he said.
“The Hurricanes are in top form, so we know the challenge in front of us and the focus is on delivering an accurate, physical performance.
“There’s always a lift playing at home. Our fans create a special atmosphere for the players and we look forward to getting back out there in front of them again on Saturday.”
Saturday night will also feature a huge game day experience for fans attending Eden Park, including a pre-match laser and light show, live music from Kings performing in The Corner, and a dedicated kids zone featuring LEGO giveaways.
Blues Team - Round 14 vs Hurricanes
7.05pm (NZT), Saturday 16 May at Eden Park
1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (162)
2. Bradley Slater (8)
3. Marcel Renata (77)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c) (128)
5. Sam Darry (45)
6. Malachi Wrampling (6)
7. Anton Segner (50)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (88)
9. Sam Nock (87)
10. Beauden Barrett (53)
11. Caleb Clarke (85)
12. Pita Ahki (25)
13. Xavi Taele (17)
14. AJ Lam (70)
15. Zarn Sullivan (53)
Reserves: 16. Kurt Eklund (81), 17. Mason Tupaea (20), 18. Flyn Yates (2),19. Laghlan McWhannell (28), 20. Torian Barnes (10), 21. Che Clark (8), 22. Finlay Christie (80), 23. Stephen Perofeta (78)
Players unavailable due to injury: Ben Ake (ankle), Josh Beehre (back), Cameron Christie (knee, season), Corey Evans (ankle), Taufa Funaki (shoulder), Joshua Fusitu’a (bicep), Jordan Lay (concussion), Sam Matenga (neck), Dalton Papali’i (jaw), Codemeru Vai (ankle)
