The stage is set for a rugby spectacle this Saturday night as the Blues take on the Highlanders at Eden Park, with the coveted Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy on the line.
Kickoff for the DHL Super Rugby Pacific match is at 7:05pm.
Blues’ Tighthead Prop, Marcel Renata, is set to make his milestone 50th appearance for the team, marking his second consecutive start. Joining him on the field is First-five Stephen Perofeta, who returns to the bench after recovering from a persistent shoulder injury. The Blues’ lineup also sees potential debuts for prop Mason Tupaea and outside back Kade Banks.
Leading the Blues is Openside flanker Dalton Papali’i, who takes on the captaincy role this week. The reshaped loose-forward trio includes Adrian Choat and Akira Ioane, who shifts to No. 8.
Papali’i told the Blues website he’s fired up for the match, owing to the significance of the Gordon Hunter Trophy.
“It’s going to be fierce against the Highlanders,” Papali’i said. “We’ve talked about retaining the Gordon Hunter Trophy this week – he’s a man who holds a special place in both teams’ histories, and we know the Highlanders will be coming up here with fire in the belly looking to snatch it back off us.”
Papali’i also expressed excitement for Renata’s 50th cap. “I’m stoked for Marcel. He’s a top fella and a true Blues man – he even chopped his finger off for the cause!” Papali’i quipped.
In other lineup news, Kurt Eklund will start at hooker, while young lock duo Laghlan McWhannell and Sam Darry team up in the middle of the scrum. Following his top performance last week, Sam Nock takes the starting spot at halfback, with Corey Evans and Cole Forbes filling the second five-eight and fullback positions, respectively.
The Highlanders, featuring former Blues players Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Tanielu Tele’a, add an extra layer of familiarity and rivalry to the match. Papali’i acknowledged the reunion, saying, “Both Jacob and Nelu spent plenty of time up here at the Blues, they know us and we know them. We’ll definitely be looking to get the upper hand against them on Saturday and no doubt share a few laughs afterwards.”
