New captain and starting fullback for Blues against Drua

Sam Darry will captain the Blues against the Fijian Drua in Auckland, as regular captain Dalton Papali’i deals with the back injury he sustained in last week’s win over the Waratahs.

The team is still awaiting the return of official captain, Patrick Tuipulotu, from a shoulder injury, and now both Tuipulotu and his stand-in, Papali’i, find themselves on an 11-man injury list for the second-placed Blues.

Papali’i’s injury has also forced a change in the loose forwards, and the changes offer a look into the club’s future, with Torian Barnes, Anton Segner, and Malachi Wrampling named in the starting unit. It’s a trio Auckland fans are sure to see plenty more of in the years to come when Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu begin their next respective chapters in Europe.

With both Stephen Perofeta (calf) and Zarn Sullivan (concussion) sidelined, an opportunity has been presented to young Payton Spencer to start at fullback. The 22-year-old made his debut off the bench just days ago in the Waratahs win.

“We’ve had a few changes after the win over Waratahs, particularly losing Dalton and Zarn this week, but it’s a chance for others to make the most of their opportunity,” Blues coach Vern Cotter said.

“The Drua are a dangerous side when you give them space. They play with a lot of flair and confidence, so for us it’s about being accurate, controlling the tempo and making good decisions under pressure.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

5

Draws

0

Wins

0

Average Points scored

35

10

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

60%

Blues team to play the Fijian Drua

1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (159)
2. Bradley Slater (3)
3. Marcel Renata (72)
4. Josh Beehre (33)
5. Sam Darry (c) (39)
6. Torian Barnes (5)
7. Anton Segner (44)
8. Malachi Wrampling (2)
9. Taufa Funaki (37)
10. Beauden Barrett (47)
11. Caleb Clarke (81)
12. Pita Ahki (19)
13. AJ Lam (64)
14. Cole Forbes (34)
15. Payton Spencer (1)

Reserves

16. James Mullan (9)
17. Mason Tupaea (14)
18. Sam Matenga (4)
19. Che Clark (6)
20. Jed Melvin (debut)
21. Finlay Christie (74)
22. Xavi Taele (11)
23. Codemeru Vai (6)

Injury list

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