Beauden Barrett benched in Blues team to play Reds

All Blacks centurion Beauden Barrett will look to provide impact from the bench in Brisbane, with Blues head coach opting to start Harry Plummer as Barrett recovers from illness.

Anton Segner comes into the openside flank for Dalton Papali’i, who suffered a calf injury against the Crusaders in round 10. Segner’s shift from the blindside makes way for impressive rookie Cam Christie in the six jersey.

Familiar starters Caleb Clarke and Marcel Renata also remain sidelined, leaving Cole Forbes and Angus Ta’avao to start at wing and prop, respectively.

“The Reds are a powerful team that are coming off a bye. Switching on early will be key to not giving them a fast start,” Cotter said.

“Focusing in on preparing well has been front of mind for the players and getting our processes right for a good performance.

“Playing on Anzac Day adds a lot and this is an important game for us.”

The reigning champions remain five points out of a playoff berth after their latest loss to the Crusaders, but a win this week would go a long way to making up that space with just over a month left before the playoffs begin.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

29

38

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

40%

Blues team to play the Reds

1. Joshua Fusitu’a (30)
2. Kurt Eklund (68)
3. Angus Ta’avao (75)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (capt) (117)
5. Josh Beehre (20)
6. Cam Christie (5)
7. Anton Segner (31)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (72)
9. Finlay Christie (63)
10. Harry Plummer (83)
11. Mark Tele’a (76)
12. AJ Lam (51)
13. Rieko Ioane (121)
14. Cole Forbes (23)
15. Zarn Sullivan (39)

Reserves

16. Ricky Riccitelli (44)
17. Mason Tupaea (4)
18. Hamdahn Tuipolotu (1)
19. Laghlan McWhannell (16)
20. Adrian Choat (48)
21. Sam Nock (77)
22. Beauden Barrett (37)
23. Corey Evans (21)

Players not considered due to injury: Dalton Papali’i (ankle), Caleb Clarke (thigh), Marcel Renata (calf), Reon Paul (shoulder), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck, season), Sam Darry (shoulder, season).