Ex-U20 star to debut as Blues rotate squad for Moana Pasifika

Blues head coach Vern Cotter has handed an opportunity to one of the club’s promising new recruits, recent New Zealand U20 star Malachi Wrampling, in the matchday squad to face Moana Pasifika.

The Waikato loose forward moved north from the Chiefs over the off-season, having made just one appearance for his home team in a crowded back row unit. Wrampling was a clear standout in the 2024 U20 Rugby Championship, starting at No.8 before an injury derailed his campaign.

The Auckland team are coming off a rare win against the Crusaders, carrying some hard-won momentum into the 2026 battle of the bridge.

Other changes in Cotter’s matchday 23 include Xavi Taele coming into the No.12 jersey as Pita Ahki drops to the bench, and Cole Forbes getting a start at fullback as Zarn Sullivan moves to the reserve unit.

“We were really pleased with the effort against the Crusaders, but the challenge for us now is to back that up. There’s good energy in the group this week, and some extra players have an opportunity to take their chance,” he said.

“A few players are carrying niggles so we are being intentional around managing those well while still early in the season. It shows the depth we have in our wider squad, and we’re confident the players coming in can do the job.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

36

20

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

80%

Blues team to play Moana Pasifika

1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (157)
2. Kurt Eklund (78)
3. Marcel Renata (70)
4. Josh Beehre (31)
5. Sam Darry (37)
6. Anton Segner (42)
7. Dalton Papali’i (c) (101)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (83)
9. Sam Nock (84)
10. Beauden Barrett (45)
11. Caleb Clarke (79)
12. Xavi Taele (9)
13. AJ Lam (62)
14. Codemeru Vai (4)
15. Cole Forbes (33)

Reserves

16. James Mullan (7)
17. Mason Tupaea (12)
18. Sam Matenga (2)
19. Laghlan McWhannell (26)
20. Malachi Wrampling (debut)
21. Taufa Funaki (35)
22. Pita Ahki (17)
23. Zarn Sullivan (46)

Injury list

Cameron Christie (knee, season)
Corey Evans (ankle)
Joshua Fusitu’a (elbow)
Jordan Lay (concussion)
Stephen Perofeta (calf)
Bradley Slater (abdomen)
Patrick Tuipulotu (shoulder)
Flyn Yates (neck)