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Young gun midfielder named to start for the Blues against the Chiefs
By Ben Smith
The Blues have named an exciting line up for their trip to Hamilton to play the Chiefs with young gun midfielder Xavi Taele set to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut.
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A standout from last year’s New Zealand U20 side, Taele has been named at No.12 alongside All Black centre Rieko Ioane for his first cap.
With star five-eight Beauden Barrett suffering a broken hand last week, it means Harry Plummer is once again the starting No.10 with Sam Nock in the halves.
At fullback the Blues have named the versatile Corey Evans, who has impressed in the midfield in previous appearances for the club.
The Blues have named a very powerful and experienced bench for the clash, with All Blacks Angus Ta’avao, Finlay Christie and Stephen Perofeta named. Outside back AJ Lam and last week’s star No.8 Cameron Suafoa are also in the power-packed reserves.
“We are continuing to show improvement after a slowish start to the season,” said head coach Vern Cotter.
“We have led at halftime in all four games, so with several key players back from injury, we are looking for some significant input from our bench.
“That said, we have some young players who have been working extremely hard in training and deserve their opportunity.
“We’re expecting a physical clash and would certainly like to get one back on the Chiefs after they beat us at home in the first game of the season.”
The Blues team to play the Chiefs:
1. Jordan Lay
2. Kurt Eklund
3. Ofa Tu’ungafasi
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c)
5. Laghlan McWhannell
6. Cameron Christie
7. Dalton Papali’i
8. Anton Segner
9. Sam Nock
10. Harry Plummer
11. Caleb Clarke
12. Xavi Taele*
13. Rieko Ioane
14. Mark Tele’a
15. Corey Evans
Reserves: 16. Nathaniel Pole
17. Joshua Fusitu’a
18. Angus Ta’avao
19. Josh Beehre
20. Cameron Suafoa
21. Finlay Christie
22. Stephen Perofeta
23. AJ Lam
*Debut
Players not considered with injury: PJ Sheck (shoulder), Zarn Sullivan (foot), Ben Ake (shoulder), Hoskins Sotutu (suspended), James Mullan (head injury), Beauden Barrett (hand), Adrian Choat (knee), Taufa Funaki (shoulder), Reon Paul (shoulder), Ricky Riccitelli (chest), Sam Darry (shoulder, season).
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