Two debutants named as Perofeta takes Blues helm vs Moana Pasifika

The Blues have made some changes to their starting XV for this weekend’s battle of the bridge, with Beauden Barrett named on the bench alongside two potential debutants.

It will be Barrett’s third time coming off the bench for the Aucklanders, and comes as Stephen Perofeta makes his way back from a pesky, persistent calf injury to start at 10 for the first time since round 3.

The debutants come at tighthead prop and loose forward, with Flyn Yates and Terrell Peita getting their first chances at Super Rugby minutes, while the Blues manage injuries in their respective positions. Dalton Papali’i is the latest addition to the injury report with a concussion. Torian Barnes returns to the starting unit, and Anton Segner shifts back to openside flanker to cover Papali’i’s absence.

Having last played in ound9’s loss to the Hurricanes, Caleb Clarke is back on deck for the Blues this week and has returned to his familiar No.11 jersey.

Elsewhere in the matchday squad, Xavi Taele returns to the starting unit, this time at 13, as AJ Lam moves to the reserve unit. There’s a similar story at halfback, where Finlay Christie has been shifted to the bench as Sam Nock starts.

“We’ve made a few changes this week, but there’s a good balance in the group. It’s an opportunity for some players to step up, and we’ve got experience around them to provide stability,” he said.

“We were pleased to get the result down in Christchurch, but we know there’s plenty to improve on. We still need to build on our consistency for the full 80 minutes and that will be key for us this week.

“Moana Pasifika are a dangerous side when they get momentum. They’re physical, they offload well, and they’ll test us if we’re not accurate.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

18

36

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

80%

Blues team to play Moana Pasifika

1. Ben Ake (2)
2. Kurt Eklund (80)
3. Marcel Renata (76)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c) (126)
5. Sam Darry (43)
6. Torian Barnes (9)
7. Anton Segner (48)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (86)
9. Sam Nock (85)
10. Stephen Perofeta (76)
11. Caleb Clarke (83)
12. Pita Ahki (23)
13. Xavi Taele (15)
14. Kade Banks (3)
15. Zarn Sullivan (51)

Reserves

16. James Mullan (12)
17. Mason Tupaea (18)
18. Flyn Yates (debut)
19. Josh Beehre (37)
20. Terrell Peita (debut)
21. Finlay Christie (78)
22. Beauden Barrett (51)
23. AJ Lam (68)

Injury list

Cameron Christie (knee, season)
Corey Evans (ankle)
Taufa Funaki (shoulder)
Joshua Fusitu’a (bicep)
Jordan Lay (concussion)
Dalton Papali’i (concussion)
Ofa Tu’ungafasi (calf)