Blues go with continuity for Waratahs clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues have named virtually an unchanged side to host the Waratahs in their third straight home game at Eden Park on Saturday.
The pre-season star performer, Caleb Clarke, returns from injury to replace suspended Tanielu Tele’a on the wing, while Josh Goodhue has recovered from a shoulder injury to return at lock. Goodhue’s return is the only change to the pack that performed strongly against the Stormers, with the hard-working Gerard Cowley-Tuioti to add his impetus off the bench.
The other change in the forward reserves sees Marcel Renata as front row replacement with Karl Tu’inukuafe spelled this week.
Clarke is the only change from the starting line-up in the backs with changes in the reserves comprising Sam Nock at scrumhalf and Michael Collins, who covers the midfield and outside backs, with Sonny Bill Williams sidelined with a knee injury.
“There’s a settled look to this team but that is not to say there is not competition,” said head coach Leon MacDonald.
“There’s competition for virtually every spot in the starting line-up which is what we want – and it is helping to produce competitive and high-quality trainings.
“If the starters do their job well, then they earn the right to stay there. We have already highlighted that while we want our starters to set the platform, equally one of our strengths is the energy we get off the bench to help us finish strongly.”
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 Blake Gibson (co-captain), 6 Tom Robinson, 5 Josh Goodhue, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (co-captain), 3 Sione Mafileo, 2 James Parsons, 1. Alex Hodgman.
Replacements: 16 Matt Moulds, 17 Marcel Renata, 18 Ofa Tuungafasi, 19 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 20 Dalton Papalii, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 Michael Collins.
Date: Saturday, April 6
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19.35 (17.35 Sydney time; 06.35 GMT)
Referee: Federico Anselmi (Argentina)
Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
