Caleb Clarke makes timely return for Blues against Moana Pasifika

All Black Caleb Clarke will be back in action for the Blues against Moana Pasifika this weekend, having recovered from a thigh complaint that kept him sidelined for the last four games.

The defending champs currently own the fifth seed on the competition table, three crucial points ahead of their round 14 opponents.

The local derby offers the Blues a chance at securing desperately needed points before a bye week in round 15 and a regular-season finale against the Waratahs at Eden Park.

“This is another big match for us. We need to be clinical as a group and lift our physicality and intensity,” head coach Vern Cotter said.

“We’ve built some good momentum in recent weeks, and this is another step forward as we focus on continually improving our game.”

Clarke’s return sees the versatile AJ Lam shifted to the right wing, with Corey Evans backed to start at fullback. Taufa Funaki retains the No. 9 jersey, next to Beauden Barrett at 10. The halves pairing will feed impressive rookie Xavi Taele and veteran Rieko Ioane in the midfield. Mark Tele’a is expected to return from suspension in the Blues’ next fixture.

Up front, Josh Fusitu’a and Ricky Riccitelli are joined by Angus Ta’avao, who, along with Josh Beehre, has been promoted to the starting unit after contributing off the bench in Fiji. Beehre joins captain Patrick Tuipulotu in the second row.

The team is completed by workhorse Adrian Choat at blindside, who steps into the No. 6 jersey for Anton Segner, who is out with a shoulder complaint. All Blacks Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu line up at seven and eight, respectively.

Blues team to play Moana Pasifika

1. Joshua Fusitu’a (33)
2. Ricky Riccitelli (47)
3. Angus Ta’avao (78)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (capt) (120)
5. Josh Beehre (23)
6. Adrian Choat (51)
7. Dalton Papali’i (93)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (74)
9. Taufa Funaki (32)
10. Beauden Barrett (40)
11. Caleb Clarke (71)
12. Xavi Taele (4)
13. Rieko Ioane (124)
14. AJ Lam (54)
15. Corey Evans (25)

Reserves

16. Kurt Eklund (71)
17. Mason Tupaea (7)
18. Marcel Renata (62)
19. Laghlan McWhannell (19)
20. Cam Christie (7)
21. Finlay Christie (64)
22. Harry Plummer (85)
23. Cole Forbes (26)

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