Tuipulotu hopeful of return
The Blues return from their bye week with a relatively unchanged side to take on the leading Australian franchise in their final game at home for a month.
Tuipulotu has been bracketed with Hoani Matenga at lock in the starting XV, but coach Tana Umaga gave no indication when the final call will be made.
The only other change from the side that started against the Sharks two weeks ago is the return of George Moala to the starting line-up in place of the injured Rene Ranger.
It will be Moala's 49th game for the Blues
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The game marks the final game this season for Blues tyros Rieko and Akira Ioane, before they move to the All Black Sevens squad in the build-up for the Rio Olympics.
Players not considered with injury include TJ Faine, Rene Ranger and Ben Lam – all with season-ending injuries – Blake Gibson (fractured thumb) and Jordan Trainor.
The Blues fly out early on Sunday morning for games against the Kings and Lions in South Africa and the Force in Perth, before returning for a home clash against the Crusaders in the final game before the break for the June international window.
Blues: 15 Lolagi Visinia, 14 Rieko Ioane, 13 George Moala, 12 Piers Francis, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Ihaia West, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Steven Luatua, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu/Hoani Matenga, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 James Parsons (captain), 1 Sam Prattley.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Nic Mayhew/Namatahi Waa, 18 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 19 Akira Ioane, 20 Kara Pryor, 21 Billy Guyton, 22 Matt McGahan, 23 Melani Nanai/Matt Duffie.
Date: Saturday, April 30
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 17.15 (15.15 AEST; 05.15 GMT)
Referee: Craig Joubert
Assistant referees: Glen Jackson, Brett Johnson
TMO: Ben Skeen
