Blues ready for intense hit-out
Coach Tana Umaga said the team is looking forward to the two-half style game, which will further simulate an in-season match for the players and provides valuable experience for the team – many of whom have yet to play the Blues' closest rivals.
"This game is everyone's last hit-out, so it'll probably be a bit more Super Rugby intense. We've got some guys coming back from Sevens, making it their first game of 15s for a long time, so we'll be incorporating them and continue building combinations.
"There are still positions up for grabs, which some guys have to work for," he said.
Blues: 15 Lolagi Visinia, 14 Melani Nanai, 13 Rene Ranger, 12 George Moala, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Ihaia West, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Steven Luatua, 7 Blake Gibson, 6 Jerome Kaino (captain), 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Hoani Matenga, 3 Sione Mafileo, 2 Quentin MacDonald, 1 Ofa Tu'ungafasi.
Replacements – from: James Parsons, Sam Prattley, Namatahi Waa, Charlie Faumuina, Scott Scrafton, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Patrick Tuipulotu, Kara Pryor, Joe Edwards, Billy Guyton, Matt McGahan, Male Sa'u, Rieko Ioane, Ben Lam, Matt Duffie.
Date: Friday, February 19
Venue: ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe
Kick-off: 17.05 (04.05 GMT)
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
