Still no Beauden Barrett for Blues' qualifying final in Christchurch

The Blues head into the first week of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific playoffs without their most experienced player, Beauden Barrett, who remains sidelined with a quad injury.

While fellow All Black Dalton Papali’i and Maori All Blacks captain Kurt Eklund are also sidelined for the trip to Christchurch, the Blues are otherwise able to call upon the large majority of the key contributors they’ve had all season, and will be hoping that continuity pays off under the roof at One New Zealand Stadium.

The 25,000-seat arena selling out in just 20 minutes proved the appetite for the Blues-Crusaders rivalry is as strong as ever, and the visitors will have plenty of unwanted history to overcome against the reigning champions.

To do that, the Blues have named five All Blacks in the starting XV and two on the bench, with a blend of energetic youth and wise veterans throughout.

Stephen Perofeta will continue to steer the ship from 10 in Barrett’s absence, while Anton Segner gets another run in his preferred No.7 jersey with Papali’i yet to return in his final season for the club. After an impressive debut last week, Eli Oudenryn has been given the nod in the No.16 jersey again.

The other key selection points include Hoskins Sotutu remaining on the bench with Malachi Wrampling preferred in the No.8 jersey and Torian Barnes on the blindside flank. Likewise, Finlay Christie remains in the No.21 jersey with Sam Nock starting at halfback.

Cody Vai’s performance off the bench last week hasn’t earned him another crack in the qualifying final, with Payton Spencer backed in the No.23 role.

“Finals rugby is where you find out a lot about yourselves as a group. We’ve worked hard to get here, and now it’s about embracing the challenge that comes with a high-stakes game,” he said.

“The Crusaders have consistently been one of the benchmark teams in this competition, and we know exactly what awaits us in Christchurch. The key is staying focused on our roles, bringing energy to the contest and backing the work we’ve put in throughout the season.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

27

21

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

80%

Blues team to play the Crusaders

1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (164)
2. Bradley Slater (9)
3. Marcel Renata (79)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c) (129)
5. Sam Darry (47)
6. Torian Barnes (12)
7. Anton Segner (52)
8. Malachi Wrampling (8)
9. Sam Nock (89)
10. Stephen Perofeta (80)
11. Caleb Clarke (87)
12. Pita Ahki (26)
13. Xavi Taele (19)
14. AJ Lam (72)
15. Zarn Sullivan (55)

Reserves

16. Eli Oudenryn (1)
17. Mason Tupaea (22)
18. Flyn Yates (4)
19. Josh Beehre (38)
20. Hoskins Sotutu (90)
21. Finlay Christie (82)
22. Corey Evans (28)
23. Payton Spencer (3)

Injury list

Ben Ake (ankle)
Beauden Barrett (quad)
James Cameron (legs, season)
Cameron Christie (knee, season)
Hemopo Cunningham (foot, season)
Kurt Eklund (back)
Joshua Fusitu’a (hamstring)
Jordan Lay (concussion)
Sam Matenga (neck)
Dalton Papali’i (jaw)