Blues announced for Round 2 of Super Rugby

The Blues team has been named for Saturday night’s Round 2 Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Western Force in Joondalup.

Captain Dalton Papali’i again leads the side as the Blues look to build momentum in their first away fixture of 2026 following a narrow defeat to the Chiefs last weekend.

There are three changes in the forwards, with Marcel Renata coming into the starting side at prop while Ofa Tu’ungafasi adds impact off the bench.

In the second row, Laghlan McWhannell lines up alongside Josh Beehre with experienced lock Sam Darry unavailable following a head knock against the Chiefs.

Anton Segner returns to the starting side at blindside flanker, while Torian Barnes moves to the bench following his Blues debut.

The starting backline remains unchanged.

Head coach Vern Cotter said the trip presented an important early-season test.

“Travelling to Perth is always a challenge and the Force are a tough, well-organised side at home,” Cotter said.

“Going over there, we know we need to be at our best. We’ve taken a lot of lessons from last week and the focus is on being accurate, disciplined, and connected for the full 80 minutes.”

The match kicks off at 9.35pm (NZT) on Saturday night, with live coverage on Sky Sport.

Blues Team - Round 2 vs Western Force
9.35pm (NZT), Saturday 21 February

1. Joshua Fusitu’a (38)
2. Bradley Slater (1)
3. Marcel Renata (67)
4. Laghlan McWhannell (24)
5. Josh Beehre (28)
6. Anton Segner (38)
7. Dalton Papali’i (c) (98)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (80)
9. Finlay Christie (70)
10. Stephen Perofeta (73)
11. Caleb Clarke (76)
12. Pita Ahki (14)
13. AJ Lam (59)
14. Cole Forbes (31)
15. Zarn Sullivan (43)

Reserves: 16. Kurt Eklund (73), 17. Mason Tupaea (9), 18. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (154), 19. Che Clark (2), 20. Torian Barnes (1), 21. Sam Nock (83), 22. Xavi Taele (6), 23. Codemeru Vai (1)

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