Beauden Barrett returns to Blues' starting XV to face Hurricanes

The Blues have made some significant changes to their matchday 23 to face the Hurricanes at Eden Park this weekend, with Beauden Barrett returning to the No.10 jersey as Dalton Papali’i is ruled out due to a jaw injury.

Barrett’s return at 10 sees Stephen Perofeta move to the bench as Zarn Sullivan is retained at fullback. Finlay Christie has remained on the bench as the only other back in a 6/2 split.

The starting backline sees Xavi Taele come in at centre, with AJ Lam moved to the right wing. Caleb Clarke, Pita Ahki and Sam Nock have kept their respective places on the left wing, at inside centre and halfback.

In the forwards, Papali’i’s injury sees Anton Segner take his place at openside flanker, joining Malachi Wrampling and Hoskins Sotutu in the loose trio.

Marcel Renata returns from injury up front to add experience to the front row, where he’ll join Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Bradley Slater. The locking partnership of Patrick Tuipulotu and Sam Darry completes the starting XV.

“Last week hurt, and the group knows we need to be better in the areas that matter. We’ve had a strong week of preparation, and there’s real intent around the way we want to play on Saturday night,” Blues head coach Vern Cotter said of the round 13 loss to the Crusaders.

“The Hurricanes are in top form, so we know the challenge in front of us and the focus is on delivering an accurate, physical performance.

“There’s always a lift playing at home. Our fans create a special atmosphere for the players, and we look forward to getting back out there in front of them again on Saturday.”

Team Form

Last 5 Games

36 - 20

19 - 45

36 - 33

47 - 40

42 - 19

17 - 50

38 - 31

45 - 12

22 - 17

42 - 19

3

Wins

4

1

Streak

3

25

Tries Scored

29

-3

Points Difference

91

1/5

First Try

4/5

2/5

First Points

4/5

2/5

Race To 10 Points

5/5

Blues team to play the Hurricanes

1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (162)
2. Bradley Slater (8)
3. Marcel Renata (77)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c) (128)
5. Sam Darry (45)
6. Malachi Wrampling (6)
7. Anton Segner (50)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (88)
9. Sam Nock (87)
10. Beauden Barrett (53)
11. Caleb Clarke (85)
12. Pita Ahki (25)
13. Xavi Taele (17)
14. AJ Lam (70)
15. Zarn Sullivan (53)

Reserves

16. Kurt Eklund (81)
17. Mason Tupaea (20)
18. Flyn Yates (2)
19. Laghlan McWhannell (28)
20. Torian Barnes (10)
21. Che Clark (8)
22. Finlay Christie (80)
23. Stephen Perofeta (78)

Injury list

Ben Ake (ankle)
Josh Beehre (back)
Cameron Christie (knee, season)
Corey Evans (ankle)
Taufa Funaki (shoulder)
Joshua Fusitu’a (bicep)
Jordan Lay (concussion)
Sam Matenga (neck)
Dalton Papali’i (jaw)
Codemeru Vai (ankle)