One change to Blues team for Final

The Blues have made just one change to the side that despatched the Force a week ago as they brace for the final contest of the tournament against the Highlanders at Eden Park. 

Akira Ioane comes in on the blindside flank for Tom Robinson who suffered a concussion last weekend. 

“We have done the hard work in this competition. We learned from the first comp, and we have been more consistent this time,” said Head Coach Leon MacDonald. “Our defence has been strong, we have been smarter and had more discipline. 

“We have thrown away trying to play the miracle ball, and focussed on playing in the right part of the field, off the back of a good set-piece. 

“Of course, we want the boys to enjoy this occasion, and continue to play the type of football that has got them here. 

“The Highlanders have been outstanding all season. They have excellent set-piece, they are very accurate and they have some dangerous attacking players. It should be a whale of a game.” 

The squad:

15 Zarn Sullivan, 14 Bryce Heem, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 TJ Faiane, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Otere Black, 9 Finlay Christie; 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papalii, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu (C), 4 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Kurt Eklund, 1. Alex Hodgman.

Reserves: 16 Ray Niuia, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Marcel Renata, 19 Josh Goodhue, 20 Blake Gibson, 21 Jonathan Ruru, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 AJ Lam.