Blues Squad Locked in for Crusaders Clash

The Blues head to Christchurch this Friday night for a heavyweight clash with the Crusaders, marking their first local derby at the new One NZ Stadium.

It shapes as a key contest, with the Blues building momentum at the right time of the season with three straight wins following last week’s 45-19 result over Moana Pasifika.

The Blues are boosted by the return of three key forwards with Dalton Papali’i, Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Bradley Slater all named to start.

There is also a milestone looming for Anton Segner, who will bring up his 50th appearance, injecting himself off the bench while Malachi Wrampling starts at blindside flanker.

Several injuries have forced changes to the forwards rotation following last week’s win, with Ben Ake (ankle), Marcel Renata (chest) and Josh Beehre (back) all unavailable this week.

In the backs, Stephen Perofeta starts again at first five with Beauden Barrett to provide impact from the bench, while AJ Lam starts at centre.

The two sides last met in Round 4 at Eden Park, where the Blues won 29-13 thanks to a Caleb Clarke hat-trick.

Head coach Vern Cotter expects a very different challenge on Friday night.

“You never get the same picture twice against the Crusaders, especially down in Christchurch,” Cotter said.

“They’re a side that prides themselves on their physicality and accuracy, and our focus has been on staying connected to ensure we are at our best for the full 80 minutes.”

Blues Team - Round 13 vs Crusaders
7.05pm (NZT), Friday 8 May in Christchurch

1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (161)
2. Bradley Slater (7)
3. Sam Matenga (8)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c) (127)
5. Sam Darry (44)
6. Malachi Wrampling (5)
7. Dalton Papali’i (105)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (87)
9. Sam Nock (86)
10. Stephen Perofeta (77)
11. Caleb Clarke (84)
12. Pita Ahki (24)
13. AJ Lam (69)
14. Kade Banks (4)
15. Zarn Sullivan (52)

Reserves: 16. James Mullan (13), 17. Mason Tupaea (19), 18. Flyn Yates (1), 19. Laghlan McWhannell (27), 20. Anton Segner (49), 21. Finlay Christie (79), 22. Beauden Barrett (52), 23. Xavi Taele (16)

Players unavailable due to injury: Ben Ake (ankle), Josh Beehre (back), Cameron Christie (knee, season), Corey Evans (ankle), Taufa Funaki (shoulder), Joshua Fusitu’a (bicep), Jordan Lay (concussion), Marcel Renata (chest)