Following a narrow one-point loss to the Chiefs the Blues return home to face long-time rivals the Crusaders, at Eden Park on Saturday.
Despite sitting in ninth place with just one win, the team has shown significant improvement, with last week’s high-intensity match showcasing their potential.
Head coach Vern Cotter told the Blues website he was keen to see continued growth, urging the squad to build on their recent performances.
The Blues welcome back No. 8 Hoskins Sotutu from suspension, strengthening the forward pack led by Patrick Tuipulotu.
In the backs Stephen Perofeta returns to the starting lineup, while Xavi Taele earns a second start in midfield.
The outside backs feature a trio of All Blacks—Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, and Mark Tele’a—alongside fullback Corey Evans, who impressed against the Chiefs.
The Blues team is (Blues caps in brackets): 1. Joshua Fusitu’a (26), 2. Kurt Eklund (65), 3. Angus Ta’avao (71), 4. Patrick Tuipulotu© (114), 5. Josh Beehre (16), 6. Cameron Christie (3), 7. Dalton Papali’i (87), 8. Hoskins Sotutu (68), 9. Sam Nock (76), 10. Stephen Perofeta (69), 11. Caleb Clarke (68), 12. Xavi Taele (1), 13. Rieko Ioane (117), 14. Mark Tele’a (72), 15. Corey Evans (18).
Reserves: 16. James Mullan (2), 17. Jordan Lay (23), 18: Marcel Renata (58), 19. Laghlan McWhannell (14), 20. Tristyn Cook (1), 21. Finlay Christie (59), 22. Harry Plummer (80), 23. Cole Forbes (21).
Players not considered with injury: PJ Sheck (shoulder), Zarn Sullivan (foot), Ben Ake (shoulder), Beauden Barrett (hand), Adrian Choat (knee), Taufa Funaki (shoulder), Reon Paul (shoulder), Ricky Riccitelli (chest), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck), Anton Segner (concussion), Sam Darry (shoulder, season), AJ Lam (leg).
No need for motivation pic.twitter.com/3PtPw6aTYN
— The Blues (@BluesRugbyTeam) March 19, 2025
