Stephen Perofeta named to return for Blues against Reds

Having battled a persistent calf injury throughout the season, Stephen Perofeta has been named to return to the Blues’ matchday 23 for the team’s Super Round clash with the Reds.

Perofeta will provide impact off the bench, with the Blues shifting to a 5/3 bench split to accommodate the All Black alongside Taufa Funaki and Xavi Taele. Having benefited from the 6/2 bench splits in recent weeks, Malachi Wrampling misses out on the round 11 clash due to injury.

Ben Ake, who debuted last week against the Highlanders, will step into the starting unit for the Aucklanders, and Kade Banks will also make his first start of the season on the right wing. Elsewhere in the team, Pita Ahki comes in to start in the midfield.

“The last few weeks, we’ve had some players coming back, and others getting an opportunity to step up. Our focus has been building on those connections as a group and making sure we are locked in for the full 80 minutes,” said Blues head coach Vern Cotter, who will move from Auckland to Queensland to coach the Reds next year.

“Playing on Anzac Day is always a significant moment. It’s a chance to acknowledge the history and connection between the two countries, and we’re proud to be part of that.

“Super Round adds an extra layer. Bringing everyone together in one place creates a real energy around the game. Christchurch has embraced it, and I know we will have some local and travelling Blues fans who will be there for us as they have been all season.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

38

29

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

40%

Blues team to face the Reds

1. Ben Ake (1)
2. Bradley Slater (6)
3. Marcel Renata (75)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c) (125)
5. Sam Darry (42)
6. Anton Segner (47)
7. Dalton Papali’i (104)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (85)
9. Finlay Christie (77)
10. Beauden Barrett (50)
11. Cole Forbes (36)
12. Pita Ahki (22)
13. AJ Lam (67)
14. Kade Banks (2)
15. Zarn Sullivan (50)

Reserves

16. James Mullan (11)
17. Mason Tupaea (17)
18. Sam Matenga (7)
19. Josh Beehre (36)
20. Torian Barnes (8)
21. Taufa Funaki (40)
22. Stephen Perofeta (75)
23. Xavi Taele (14)

Injury list

Cameron Christie (knee, season)
Caleb Clarke (calf)
Corey Evans (ankle)
Joshua Fusitu’a (bicep)
Jordan Lay (concussion)
Laghlan McWhannell (concussion)
Ofa Tu’ungafasi (calf)
Malachi Wrampling (hamstring)