All Blacks prop shifted to bench for Blues’ clash with Western Force

After a disappointing defeat at the hands of the Chiefs last weekend, Vern Cotter has named his side to take on the Western Force in Perth this weekend, making three changes.

Laghlan McWhannell will be alongside Josh Beehre in the second row, while Marcel Renata comes into the starting lineup, moving Ofa Tu’ungafasi to the bench.

Impressive young loose-forward Torian Barnes has been moved to the bench for the Force game this weekend, with Cotter elevating Anton Segner into the starting No.6 jumper.

The backline remains unchanged for the round two fixture, as Stephen Perofeta gets another chance in the No.10 jersey with Beauden Barrett still on All Blacks rest.

The 64-year-old Blues head coach admits this weekend’s clash will be a tough matchup, and his side needs to be more accurate over the course of the 80 minutes.

“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.”

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).