Wulf and Ranger back in Blues

The injection of the two All Black backs is a huge boost for the injury ravaged Blues who will need all of their attacking potency to prise open the watertight Chiefs defence.

 

Wulf has shrugged off a recurring shoulder injury to play his 50th game for the Blues, while Rene Ranger has overcome rib damage to line-up on the left wing in a revamped backline for the local derby.

 

With Gareth Anscombe sustaining a season ending ankle sprain last week, Michael Hobbs moves in a spot to start at flyhalf, while Lachie Munro replaces David Raikuna on the right wing.

 

Blues head coach Pat Lam has promoted All Blacks Ali Williams and Ma'a Nonu to the starting XV after they came off the bench against the Highlanders last week, however there is no recall for Piri Weepu as Alby Mathewson remains at scrumhalf.

 

Blues: 15 Rudi Wulf, 14 Lachie Munro, 13 Francis Saili, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Rene Ranger, 10 Michael Hobbs, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Luke Braid (captain), 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Liaki Moli, 3 Tevita Mailau, 2 James Parsons, 1 Tony Woodcock.

Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Angus Ta'avao, 18 Filo Paulo, 19 Peter Saili, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Hadleigh Parkes, 22 David Raikuna.

 

Date: Saturday, June 2

Venue: North Harbour Stadium, Auckland

Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)

Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Nick Briant (New Zealand)

TMO: Ben Skeen