Backline reshuffle for Blues after Tele'a suspension

The Blues have reshuffled their backline ahead of their must-win game against the Force on Friday night as the season goes on the line.

The good news is the Blues hold an outstanding record over the men from Perth, winning the last nine straight and remaining undefeated over the last 12.

With Mark Tele’a sidelined with suspension, last week’s second five-eighth AJ Lam has moved to the left wing while Cole Forbes will start on the right.

Replacing Lam in the midfield is recently re-signed young gun Xavi Taele, who inked a one-year extension for 2026. Taele will start at No.12 inside All Black centre Rieko Ioane.

At fullback will be Stephen Perofeta forming a playmaking partnership with Beauden Barrett at No.10.

Up front Angus Ta’avao gets a spell with Marcel Renata coming into start at tighthead, while the locks and back row remain unchanged.

“The Force are another very good team and we need to lift our intensity to ensure we compete well against them on Friday night,” Vern Cotter said.

“Being consistent across these next four games is really important for us and I know every one of us is working hard to step up.”

The Blues sit in ninth place on the ladder, five competition points below the Force who sit in the last playoff standing in sixth.

A win will go a long way to climbing up the three spots the Blues need to defend their title.

Blues team vs the Western Force, 7.05pm, Friday 2 May:

1. Joshua Fusitu’a (31 Blues caps)
2. Ricky Riccitelli (45)
3. Marcel Renata (60)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c) (118)
5. Laghlan McWhannell (17)
6. Anton Segner (32)
7. Dalton Papali’i (91)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (73)
9. Taufa Funaki (30)
10. Beauden Barrett (38)
11. AJ Lam (52)
12. Xavi Taele (2)
13. Rieko Ioane (122)
14. Cole Forbes (24)
15. Stephen Perofeta (72)

Reserve
16. Kurt Eklund (69)
17. Mason Tupaea (5)
18. Angus Ta’avao (76)
19. Josh Beehre (21)
20. Cam Christie (6)
21. Adrian Choat (49)
22. Sam Nock (78)
23. Corey Evans (22)

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