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Faumuina gets a Blues start

By
Wednesday 9 Mar 2016

Faumuina gets a Blues startIn a planned return, Faumuina has come off the bench in the opening two games, but will join Ofa Tu'ungafasi and James Parsons in the front row.

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Coach Tana Umaga continues to select the team that best suits their game plan, with Steven Luatua to start at lock with Josh Bekhuis, in his 99th Super Rugby game.

All Black lock Patrick Tuipulotu will come off the bench after two full games in his return from major off-season surgery and rehabilitation.

New Zealand Sevens player Akira Ioane gets his first start of the year at No.8.

The backline from the opening game against the Highlanders is in place aside from Rene Ranger to start on the wing.

Blues: 15 Lolagi Visinia, 14 Rene Ranger, 13 Male Sa'u, 12 George Moala, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Ihaia West, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Blake Gibson, 6 Jerome Kaino (captain), 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Steven Luatua, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 James Parsons, 1 Ofa Tu'ungafasi.

Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Nic Mayhew, 18 Sione Mafileo, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Kara Pryor, 21 Billy Guyton, 22 Matt McGahan, 23 Melani Nanai.

Date: Friday, March 11

Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)

Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand), Brett Johnson (New Zealand)

TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)

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Faumuina gets a Blues start

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