Blues Name Team For Crusaders Clash

The Blues have named three changes to their backline for Friday night’s game against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

With Caleb Clarke sidelined due to a thigh injury, Mark Tele’a moves to the left wing while Cole Forbes comes in on the right wing and Zarn Sullivan earns a start at fullback.

It's the first of four Friday night games in succession for the Blues and an important match-up in the team’s second half of the season run.

The Blues are aware they need to continue building on their momentum following back-to-back wins.

“We have improved each week, but we know we still have plenty of space to get better,” head coach Vern Cotter said.

“The group is challenging each other to improve every day, every session and every game.

“A strong team performance against a confident Crusaders team will be key on Friday night.”

There is a mix of proven performers in an unchanged starting forward pack, led by captain Patrick Tuipulotu, while his brother Hamdahn Tuipolotu is in line to make his Blues debut after being named in the reserves.

Blues Team for Round 10
7.05pm, Friday 18 April vs Crusaders

1. Joshua Fusitu’a (29)
2. Ricky Riccitelli (43)
3. Angus Ta’avao (74)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (capt) (116)
5. Josh Beehre (19)
6. Anton Segner (30)
7. Dalton Papali’i (90)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (71)
9. Finlay Christie (62)
10. Beauden Barrett (36)
11. Mark Tele’a (75)
12. AJ Lam (50)
13. Rieko Ioane (120)
14. Cole Forbes (22)
15. Zarn Sullivan (38)

Reserves: 16. Kurt Eklund (67), 17. Mason Tupaea (3), 18. Hamdahn Tuipolotu (debut), 19. Laghlan McWhannell (15), 20. Cameron Suafoa (30), 21. Adrian Choat (48), 22. Taufa Funaki (29), 23. Harry Plummer (82).

Players not considered due to injury: Caleb Clarke (thigh), Marcel Renata (calf), Reon Paul (shoulder), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck, season), Sam Darry (shoulder, season).

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