Blues back youth in team for top-of-the-table clash with Hurricanes

The Blues travel to Wellington for a monster clash with the Hurricanes as the centrepiece of round 9 of the Super Rugby Pacific season, and head coach Vern Cotter has backed his emerging talent for the bout.

With nine injuries to contend with, Cotter has named eight players with less than 10 Blues caps to their names in his matchday 23, including Che Clark on the blindside flank and Malachi Wrampling at No.8.

Xavi Taele, at 21 years of age, has been handed the starting inside centre job ahead of the experienced Pita Ahki, who has been named on the bench, while Cody Vai continues his run of starts on the right edge.

The bench features Sam Matenga, Tristyn Cook, Torian Barnes, and Payton Spencer, who boast just 15 caps between them.

Cotter has the benefit of experience in other areas, not least of which being Ofa Tu’ungafasi’s 160 caps in the front row, and his team will again be captained by lock Sam Darry.

“It’s a top-of-the-table clash for that number one spot, and that’s exactly the sort of challenge we want at this stage of the season,” Cotter said.

“Coming off a bye, the focus has been on reconnecting, sharpening our detail and making sure we’re ready for a big performance in Wellington.

“The Hurricanes are playing very good rugby, so we need to make sure we are at our best for 80 minutes. It should be a high-quality contest, and we are looking forward to it.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

39

23

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

60%

Blues team to play the Hurricanes

1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (160)
2. Bradley Slater (4)
3. Marcel Renata (73)
4. Josh Beehre (34)
5. Sam Darry (c) (40)
6. Che Clark (7)
7. Anton Segner (45)
8. Malachi Wrampling (3)
9. Finlay Christie (75)
10. Beauden Barrett (48)
11. Caleb Clarke (82)
12. Xavi Taele (12)
13. AJ Lam (65)
14. Codemeru Vai (7)
15. Zarn Sullivan (48)
    

Reserves

16. James Mullan (10)
17. Mason Tupaea (15)
18. Sam Matenga (5)
19. Tristyn Cook (2)
20. Torian Barnes (6)
21. Taufa Funaki (38)
22. Pita Ahki (20)
23. Payton Spencer (2)

Injury list

Cameron Christie (knee, season)
Corey Evans (ankle)
Joshua Fusitu’a (bicep)
Jordan Lay (concussion)
Laghlan McWhannell (concussion)
Dalton Papali’i (back)
Stephen Perofeta (calf)
Hoskins Sotutu (knee)
Patrick Tuipulotu (shoulder)