Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, NZ
Blues:
Joshua Fusitu’a, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tuungafasi, James Tucker, Cameron Suafoa, Anton Segner, Adrian Choat, Hoskins Sotutu, Sam Nock, Stephen Perofeta, Mark Telea, Harry Plummer (c), Bryce Heem, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Zarn Sullivan
Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, Tom Robinson, Sam Darry, Taine Plumtree, Taufa Funaki, AJ Lam
Coach Leon MacDonald has rested prop Nepo Laulala, Test halves Finlay Christie and Beauden Barrett, centre Rieko Ioane and winger Caleb Clarke have each been given a spell under New Zealand Rugby’s protocols ahead of the World Cup.
Dual international Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has also been ruled out because of a hand injury and will be out for a month. As have forwards Alex Hodgman, out for the season, and James Lay with an ankle problem..
Force:
Angus Wagner, Folau Fainga’a, Santiago Medrano, Felix Kalapu, Jeremy Williams, Michael Wells (c), Tim Anstee, Rahboni Vosayaco, Gareth Simpson, Bryce Hegarty, Toni Pulu, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Zach Kibirge, Chase Tiatia
Replacements: Tom Horton, Marley Pearce, Siosifa Amone, Ryan McCauley, Ollie Callan, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Bayley Kuenzle, George Poolman .
Sam Spink to make his debut for the Force, partnering up with Hamish Stewart in the centres.
Up front, Wallabies hooker Folau Fainga’a returns after suffering Achilles soreness ahead of his side’s loss to the Highlanders last weekend.
Tom Robertson’s concussion sees Angus Wagner start up front alongside Fainga’a and Santiago Medrano.
While Tim Anstee moves to openside flanker in the absence of Ollie Callen.
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
PREDICTION,
Even with all the changes in the Blues team they will be to tough here at home against a struggling Perth side. Blues to win this by plus 15 points.
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