'A true Blues man'
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Irrepressible hooker James Parsons is set to become just the sixth Blues player to earn 100 caps for his team when they take on the Highlanders in a Super Rugby clash in Dunedin on Saturday.
Parsons, 32, has been named to start in what will be his 100thcap for the team and 98thin Super Rugby, having played against the touring French and British and Irish Lions.
The side has a settled look with the backline unchanged and only one swap in the forwards from the side that narrowly lost to the Chiefs last weekend, with Sione Mafileo and Ofa Tuungafasi exchanging roles in the front row.
Parsons, who began his Super Rugby career against the Highlanders in 2012, will become the joint fastest Blues player to reach the 100 caps, joining fellow prop John Afoa, both earning the mark in eight seasons.
Blues legend and most capped player, Keven Mealamu is glowing in his praise of the player who followed him as the first-choice hooker.
“It is so great to see JP earn his 100thgame for the Blues,” said Mealamu. “He is a professional in every sense, an awesome teammate and a great man as well. This is so well deserved for such a true Blues man.”
The other change is in the reserves where Leni Apisai comes in on to the bench for just the second time this year.
Blues all-time leading appearances: Keven Mealamu 164, Jerome Kaino 139, Tony Woodcock 137, Ali Williams 102, John Afoa 101, James Parsons and Charlie Faumuina 99.
Blues: 15 Melani Nanai, 14 Caleb Clarke, 13 TJ Faiane, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Otere Black, 9 Jonathan Ruru, 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Dalton Papalii, 6 Tom Robinson, 5 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), 3 Sione Mafileo, 2 James Parsons, 1. Karl Tu’inukuafe.
Replacements: 16 Leni Apisai, 17 Alex Hodgman, 18 Ofa Tuungafasi, 19 Josh Goodhue, 20 Jed Brown, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 Matt Duffie.
Date: Saturday, April 20
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), James Doleman (New Zealand)
TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)
