Beauden Barrett returns for Blues Semi Final clash

The Blues have made several changes for their Super Rugby Pacific semi final showdown with the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday night.

Beauden Barrett returns to start at fullback, while Hoskins Sotutu joins the starting XV at number eight and Finlay Christie slots in at halfback.

In the midfield, Xavi Taele has been named at second five with AJ Lam shifting back to centre and Cole Forbes on the right wing.

The Blues will be without three players from last week’s team with Zarn Sullivan ruled out with a foot injury, Sam Nock sidelined with a broken hand and Malachi Wrampling unavailable through concussion and suspension.

Head coach Vern Cotter said his side was excited by the opportunity ahead of them.

“We know what’s waiting for us in Wellington and we’re excited about the challenge. Finals rugby is about embracing that and earning the right to keep your season alive,” he said.

“The Hurricanes have been the competition’s most consistent team and they will be tough to beat at home, but we've prepared well and are looking forward to the contest.

“This group has shown resilience all season. We’ve had plenty of injuries and challenges, but the players continue to stay in the fight.”

Blues Team - Semi Final vs Hurricanes
7.05pm (NZT), Saturday 13 June in Wellington

1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (165)
2. Bradley Slater (10)
3. Marcel Renata (80)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c) (130)
5. Sam Darry (48)
6. Torian Barnes (13)
7. Anton Segner (53)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (91)
9. Finlay Christie (83)
10. Stephen Perofeta (81)
11. Caleb Clarke (88)
12. Xavi Taele (20)
13. AJ Lam (73)
14. Cole Forbes (39)
15. Beauden Barrett (54)

Reserves: 16. Eli Oudenryn (2), 17. Mason Tupaea (23), 18. Flyn Yates (5), 19. Josh Beehre (39), 20. Che Clark (9), 21. Taufa Funaki (41), 22. Pita Ahki (27), 23. Payton Spencer (4)

Players unavailable due to injury: Ben Ake (ankle), James Cameron (legs, season), Cameron Christie (knee, season), Hemopo Cunningham (foot, season), Kurt Eklund (back), Joshua Fusitu’a (hamstring), Jordan Lay (concussion), Sam Matenga (neck), Sam Nock (hand), Dalton Papali’i (jaw), Zarn Sullivan (foot), Malachi Wrampling (concussion)