Rieko Ioane returns for the Blues

A couple of Blues heavyweights, Rieko Ioane and Stephen Perofeta return to the starting lineup this weekend as the team travel to Christchurch to take on the Crusaders in DHL Super Rugby Pacific. 

Ioane reclaims his spot at centre having returned from concussion, while Perofeta slots into fullback. Captain Patrick Tuipulotu is also welcomed back for the match, locking alongside Sam Darry.

Kurt Eklund starts again at hooker after scoring two tries last weekend, partnering Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Angus Ta’avao in the front row.

Blues Head Coach, Vern Cotter has reworked his loose forward trio this week, opting for a starting combination of Akira Ioane, Adrian Choat and Hoskins Sotutu with Cameron Suafoa coming off the bench.

“We’re lucky to have a battery of quality loosies to choose from,” said Cotter.

“This week Choaty, Aki and Hoskins have their chance and I have no doubt they will bring plenty of steel to their performance on Saturday,” he said.

In the backs, Taufa Funaki returns to the starting halfback spot, reinstating his combination with Harry Plummer. Corey Evans starts again at second five-eight while AJ Lam and Mark Tele’a hold down the wing spots.

Cotter said nothing changes for his side this Saturday night in Christchurch.

“We simply need to keep improving each week,” said Cotter. 

“It’s great to welcome back the likes of Rieko and Stevie. They add plenty of calm and experience to our backline,” he said.

“We’ve selected a side to go down south and do a job. Wins down in Christchurch are rare for the Blues and we want to make sure we prepare well this week and go down with a focus and determination befitting of the occasion.”

Blues:

1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi

2. Kurt Eklund

3. Angus Ta’avao 

4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c)

5. Sam Darry

6. Akira Ioane

7. Adrian Choat 

8. Hoskins Sotutu

9. Taufa Funaki

10. Harry Plummer

11. AJ Lam

12. Corey Evans

13. Rieko Ioane

14. Mark Tele’a

15. Stephen Perofeta

    Reserves:

16. Ricky Riccitelli

17. Joshua Fusitu’a

18. PJ Sheck

19. Josh Beehre

20. Cameron Suafoa

21. Sam Nock

22. Cole Forbes

23. Caleb Tangitau

Players not considered: Lucas Cashmore (hamstring), Finlay Christie (groin), Caleb Clarke (managing workload), Meihana Grindlay (finger), Bryce Heem (calf), Jordan Lay (ankle, season), Marcel Renata (calf), Zarn Sullivan (knee), Dalton Papali’i (managing workload), Laghlan McWhannell (concussion protocol)