Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Stephen Perofeta return for Blues' season-opener

Nearly 10 months after suffering a serious neck injury, All Black Ofa Tu’ungafasi has been named for a return to the rugby field in the Blues’ season-opener against the Chiefs at Eden Park.

Tu’ungafasi’s return coincides with Stephen Perofeta’s, who managed just two starts in 2025 and missed the entire NPC season.

The front row for the Eden Park showdown sees Joshua Fusitu’a pack down alongside Tu’ungafasi and club debutant Bradley Slater, who spent seven seasons with the Chiefs prior to his move north in the recent offseason.

The Blues are without captain Patrick Tuipulotu, but have Sam Darry and Josh Beehre to hold down the second row, and Dalton Papali’i to captain from the back row. Papali’i starts alongside debutant Torian Barnes and Newcastle-bound Hoskins Sotutu to complete the forward pack.

Finlay Christie enjoyed a heroic 2025 Test season and starts at halfback inside Perofeta at 10. Beauden Barrett will miss the opening few rounds of the season as a rest precaution. Pita Ahki is back in blue at 12, joining AJ Lam at centre as Caleb Clarke, Cole Forbes and Zarn Sullivan make up the outside backs.

James Mullan, Mason Tupaea and Marcel Renata provide strength in the reserve front row, while Laghlan McWhannell and Anton Segner provide additional forward pack cover. Sam Nock and Xavi Taele join debutant Codemeru Vai as backline bench impact.

“You don’t get any easy games in this competition, and we want to start the season strongly,” Blues head coach Vern Cotter said.

“We’ve had some good preparation throughout pre-season with a clear focus on how we want to play.

“It’s about how we start, build pressure, and respond throughout the game. Everyone is looking forward to the challenge.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

27

21

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

60%

Blues team to play the Chiefs

1. Joshua Fusitu’a (34)
2. Bradley Slater*
3. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (153)
4. Sam Darry (34)
5. Josh Beehre (27)
6. Torian Barnes*
7. Dalton Papali’i (c) (97)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (79)
9. Finlay Christie (69)
10. Stephen Perofeta (72)
11. Caleb Clarke (75)
12. Pita Ahki (13)
13. AJ Lam (58)
14. Cole Forbes (30)
15. Zarn Sullivan (42)

16. James Mullan (4)
17. Mason Tupaea (8)
18. Marcel Renata (66)
19. Laghlan McWhannell (23)
20. Anton Segner (38)
21. Sam Nock (82)
22. Xavi Taele (5)
23. Codemeru Vai*

Players not considered due to injury

Cameron Christie (knee, season)
Corey Evans (ankle)
Jordan Lay (concussion)
Payton Spencer (concussion)
Patrick Tuipulotu (shoulder)
Malachi Wrampling (concussion)