Blues spring midfield surprise for Crusaders clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Blues have named a powerful team for their top-of-the-table match against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.
The pack is unchanged from the side that beat the Highlanders before the break, with two changes in the backs.
Finlay Christie comes into the starting XV this week, while there is a surprise change in the midfield.
Centre Harry Plummer will start in the No.12 jersey after coming off the bench in their previous three Super Rugby Aotearoa games, with the impressive TJ Faiane dropping down to the bench.
There are 16 players in the travelling party that have played in all four Super Rugby Aotearoa matches, with the bench further strengthened with the return of All Black Karl Tu’inukuafe and Blake Gibson, both recovered from injuries.
Players not considered with injury: Jared Page (hamstring), Stephen Perofeta (fractured foot), Tom Robinson (knee). Season-ending: Ray Niuia, James Tucker, Tanielu Tele’a.
Blues: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Mark Telea, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Harry Plummer, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Otere Black, 9 Finlay Christie; 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papalii, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Josh Goodhue, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), 3 Ofa Tuungafasi, 2 James Parsons, 1 Alex Hodgman.
Replacements: 16 Kurt Eklund, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Sione Mafileo, 19 Aaron Carroll, 20 Blake Gibson, 21 Jonathan Ruru, 22 TJ Faiane, 23 Matt Duffie.
Date: Saturday, July 11
Venue: Addington Showgrounds, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.05 (07.05 GMT)
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant referees: Ben O’Keeffe, James Doleman
TMO: Mike Fraser
