Blues make a tactical change at fullback for Crusaders showdown

Zarn Sullivan will bring his monster boot to the Blues’ backfield in his side’s semi-final against the Crusaders this weekend.

The young fullback’s inclusion is the lone change to the starting XV that upset the Chiefs in the Qualifying Final over the weekend. Corey Evans, who started that game, is neither in the matchday 23 nor the injury list.

The reigning champions know they’re in for a tough contest, with a fraught history in Christchurch and especially the outgoing Apollo Projects Stadium, where the Crusaders are 30-0.

“It’s going to be a tough game, and we need to be as accurate as possible. There’s been good clarity this week, and the boys are up for it. We’re going to enjoy the contest,” head coach Vern Cotter said.

“We’re putting things together at the right time of the year. The guys know how to win big games, and that’s our goal again on Friday night.”

Blues team to play the Crusaders

1. Joshua Fusitu’a (36)
2. Ricky Riccitelli (50)
3. Marcel Renata (65)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (capt) (123)
5. Laghlan McWhannell (22)
6. Adrian Choat (53)
7. Dalton Papali’i (96)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (77)
9. Finlay Christie (67)
10. Beauden Barrett (43)
11. Caleb Clarke (74)
12. AJ Lam (57)
13. Rieko Ioane (127)
14. Mark Tele’a (79)
15. Zarn Sullivan (41)

Reserves

16. Kurt Eklund (74)
17. Jordan Lay (26)
18. Angus Ta’avao (81)
19. Josh Beehre (26)
20. Anton Segner (36)
21. Sam Nock (81)
22. Harry Plummer (88)
23. Cole Forbes (29)

Players not considered due to injury: Cam Christie (thumb), Stephen Perofeta (leg), Reon Paul (shoulder), Cam Suafoa (medical, season), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck, season), Sam Darry (shoulder, season)