Blues unchanged for Brumbies
Despite losing 27-37 against the Hurricanes at the weekend, the Blues really displayed some flare on attack and resilience in defence.
All of the stars of last week’s showdown will return led by the front row of new All Black Ofa Tu’ungafasi, captain James Parsons and Sam Prattley and the inspirational Jerome Kaino, who bagged two tries last week.
Key forwards Steven Luatua and Josh Bekhius, who went off with injuries last week, are slated to start although the big Southland player will need to come through training and is bracketed with Scott Scrafton.
Likewise Piers Francis and Japan international Male Sa’u, both also injured out of the game in the second half last week after strong first spell performances, have been selected to start. Sa’u, like Bekhuis, will need to come through a full training load this week and is bracketed with Matt Vaega.
The Blues will depend on another strong forward performance to provide opportunities for their backs with Melani Nanai again to start at fullback after his eye-catching display last week. The young fullback led all of the Super stars in terms of his carries, offloads and clean breaks and was second in terms of metres run.
All Blacks Charlie Faumuina and George Moala have made progress with their recovery but not sufficiently to be considered for selection this week.
While replacement hooker Quentin MacDonald will earn his blazer for his 20th game for the Blues if he makes an appearance.
Blues: 15 Melani Nanai, 14 Matt Duffie, 13 Male Sa’u / Matt Vaega, 12 Piers Francis, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Ihaia West, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Steven Luatua, 7 Kara Pryor, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Josh Bekhuis/Scott Scrafton, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2 James Parsons (captain), 1 Sam Prattley.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Nic Mayhew, 18 Sione Mafileo, 19 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 20 Blake Gibson, 21 Billy Guyton, 22 Matt Vaega/Michael Little, 23 Lolagi Visinia.
Date: Friday, July 8
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT; 17.35 AEST)
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand), Jamie Nutbrown (New Zealand)
TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)
theblues.co.nz
