Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

Tom Robinson retains captaincy as Blues make one change to starting side for Highlanders clash

By Alex McLeod
Despite only making his Blues debut in 2019, Tom Robinson has been called upon to captain the Blues in Patrick Tuipulotu's absence. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

Blues flanker Tom Robinson has retained the captaincy role for his side’s Super Rugby Aotearoa clash against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday.

ADVERTISEMENT

Robinson was named as Blues captain for the first time in his career a fortnight ago when he led the Auckland franchise to a 27-17 victory over the Hurricanes at Eden Park.

Following last week’s bye, head coach Leon MacDonald has opted to keep the 26-year-old at the helm of the leadership duties for a match that could prove vital in the Blues’ bid to clinch a home final on May 8.

Video Spacer

Why John Kirwan believes that Beauden Barrett should be benched for All Blacks

Video Spacer

Why John Kirwan believes that Beauden Barrett should be benched for All Blacks

Trailing the Crusaders by eight points, the second-placed Blues also have a game in hand over the reigning champions and need to beat the inconsistent Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium to keep within touching distance of top spot.

In his bid to do that, MacDonald has chosen to keep consistency in his selection by naming almost the exact same match day squad that defeated the Hurricanes two weeks ago.

The only change to the starting lineup comes at halfback, where Jonathan Ruru comes into the No 9 jersey in place of Sam Nock, who has been omitted from the team entirely.

Finlay Christie will instead be called upon to fill Ruru’s void on the bench, while the only other alteration in the reserves comes in the No 23 jersey, where Bryce Heem has been named ahead of AJ Lam, who made his Super Rugby debut against the Hurricanes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Having already beaten the Highlanders in a comprehensive performance at Eden Park last month, MacDonald said he is eager for his side to continue that form in Dunedin this weekend.

“We got away from them with probably our best effort so far this season at Eden Park to win the Gordon Hunter Trophy,” he said.

“The Highlanders showed against the Crusaders and again against the Chiefs that they are a formidable side. Given the situation with the competition, we know they are going to throw the kitchen sink at this one and we will need to be on top of our game.

“We know that sometimes teams can be lethargic off a bye but we have trained well and the boys are excited at what is ahead of us.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Our destiny in this competition is in our own hands. That starts on Friday night where we need to be on our game, sure at set-piece, aggressive but disciplined at collision and for our pack to do the business to allow our backs to exploit opportunities.

“It is going to be a whale of a game and we are looking forward to it.”

Kick-off for Friday’s match is scheduled for 7:05pm NZT.

Blues team to face Highlanders

1. Karl Tu’inukuafe
2. Luteru Tolai
3. Ofa Tuungafasi
4. Gerard Cowley-Tuioti
5. Sam Darry
6. Tom Robinson (c)
7. Dalton Papalii
8. Hoskins Sotutu
9. Jonathan Ruru
10. Otere Black
11. Caleb Clarke
12. TJ Faiane
13. Rieko Ioane
14. Mark Telea
15. Stephen Perofeta

Reserves:

16. Leni Apisai
17. Alex Hodgman
18. Nepo Laulala
19. Josh Goodhue
20. Akira Ioane
21. Finlay Christie
22. Harry Plummer
23. Bryce Heem

Listen to the latest episode of the Aotearoa Rugby Pod below:

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

B
Bull Shark 2 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

29 Go to comments
FEATURE
FEATURE Luke Cowan-Dickie: 'I didn’t feel right. I felt like I was going to pass out. Everything was going black in front of me' Luke Cowan-Dickie: 'I didn’t feel right. I felt like I was going to pass out. Everything was going black in front of me'
Search