Beauden Barrett returns but not at 10 for Blues' semi-final

The Blues may enter their semi-final clash against the Hurricanes as heavy underdogs, but they will have the services of 144-Test veteran Beauden Barrett at fullback.

The 35-year-old will line up in the No.15 jersey for the first time in over 12 months when he takes the field on Saturday evening at the Cake Tin, the stadium he once called home.

A quad injury has kept Barrett on the sidelines for the past three weeks, with Stephen Perofeta starting at 10 and evidently earning Blues head coach Vern Cotter’s trust in the position. Barrett’s move to fullback comes as Zarn Sullivan is ruled out with a foot injury.

Another injury-enforced change comes alongside Perofeta in the halves, with Sam Nock suffering a broken hand against the Crusaders last week and being ruled out for the semi-final. Finlay Christie has been elevated to start, and Taufa Funaki has come onto the bench.

Hoskins Sotutu has taken Malachi Wrampling’s place at No.8 as the youngster serves some time on the sidelines with a concussion and then a three-game suspension following his red card last weekend.

Finally, there’s been a change in the midfield, with Xavi Taele moved in to 12, AJ Lam moved to centre, Cole Forbes coming in on the wing, and Pita Ahki moved to the bench.

“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,” Cotter 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.”

Team Form

Last 5 Games

60 - 5

57 - 21

66 - 12

47 - 14

45 - 28

57 - 21

52 - 31

59 - 34

24 - 47

36 - 20

4

Wins

0

3

Streak

5

36

Tries Scored

20

129

Points Difference

-121

4/5

First Try

2/5

4/5

First Points

3/5

4/5

Race To 10 Points

1/5

Blues team to play the Hurricanes

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)

Injury list

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)