Blues name team to face the Chiefs in season opener

The Blues have named a strong team for their Super Rugby Pacific season opener against the Chiefs at Eden Park on Saturday night.

With Patrick Tuipulotu still rehabilitating his shoulder, Dalton Papali’i will captain the Blues as they look get their campaign off to a fast start.  

Joshua Fusitu’a and Ofa Tu’ungafasi start in the front row alongside hooker Bradley Slater, while Sam Darry and Josh Beehre combine in the second row.

The loose forward trio of Torian Barnes, Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu will be key to the contest, particularly at the breakdown and in open play where both teams rated among the competition’s most effective in 2025.

Barnes is one of three players set to make their Blues debuts, alongside Slater and Codemeru Vai who has been named on the bench.

Finlay Christie will start at halfback while Stephen Perofeta makes a long anticipated return to the field after a frustrating injury affected 2025 season.

Pita Ahki and AJ Lam are paired in the midfield, offering an exciting combo of direct power running and defensive strength.

Out wide, Caleb Clarke and Cole Forbes start on the wings, with Zarn Sullivan at fullback.

Beauden Barrett has not been named as he continues his high performance return to play schedule which will see him available in the next few weeks.

Head coach Vern Cotter said the opening fixture provided an immediate test of where the group is at.

“You don’t get any easy games in this competition and we want to start the season strongly,” Cotter said.

“We’ve had some good preparation throughout pre-season with a clear focus on how we want to play.

“It’s about how we start, build pressure, and respond throughout the game. Everyone is looking forward to the challenge.”

Tickets for Saturday night’s game against the Chiefs are available through blues.flicket.co.nz

Blues Team - Round 1
7.05pm, Saturday 14 February vs Chiefs

1. Joshua Fusitu’a (34)
2. Bradley Slater*
3. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (153)
4. Sam Darry (34)
5. Josh Beehre (27)
6. Torian Barnes*
7. Dalton Papali’i (c) (97)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (79)
9. Finlay Christie (69)
10. Stephen Perofeta (72)
11. Caleb Clarke (75)
12. Pita Ahki (13)
13. AJ Lam (58)
14. Cole Forbes (30)
15. Zarn Sullivan (42)

Reserves: 16. James Mullan (4), 17. Mason Tupaea (8), 18. Marcel Renata (66), 19. Laghlan McWhannell (23), 20. Anton Segner (38), 21. Sam Nock (82), 22. Xavi Taele (5), 23. Codemeru Vai*

*On Blues debut

Players not considered due to injury: Cameron Christie (knee, season), Corey Evans (ankle), Jordan Lay (concussion), Payton Spencer (concussion), Patrick Tuipulotu (shoulder), Malachi Wrampling (concussion).