Blues vs Waratahs in Round 9 of Super Rugby 2023 at Eden Park

SUPER RUGBY, ROUND 9, APRIL 22nd,2023 AUCKLAND BLUES V NSW WARATAHS

EDEN PARK,AUCKLAND

BLUES (1-15): 

Ofa Tuungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sam Darry, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Stephen Perofeta

RESERVES: Soane Vikena, Jordan Lay, James Lay, Cameron Suafoa, Akira Ioane, Sam Nock, Bryce Heem, Zarn Sullivan

Beauden Barrett and Harry Plummer will bring up a pair of milestones this weekend with Barrett clocking his 150^th Super Rugby match while Plummer notches his 50^th appearance for the Blues.

Lock Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the side with regular skipper Dalton Papalii out, while Akira Ioane and Bryce Heem return from injury and will look to stamp their mark from the bench.

The Waratahs have rested Wallabies Michael Hooper, Lalakai Foketi and Mark Nawaqanitawase under national team protocols for the trip to Eden Park on Saturday.

Former Leicester Tigers giant Nephi Leatigaga comes straight into the 23 on the bench after being signed this week, while there is also a return from the replacements for Charlie Gamble after his shoulder injury.

Coleman has added six new faces to his starting XV that defeated the Western Force in Sydney while adding three potential debutants on the bench.

Mahe Vailanu replaces Dave Porecki at hooker, while Tom Lambert and Harry Johnson-Holmes remain in the front row. 

Jed Holloway, who leads the competition in lineout steals (6), is joined by Zac Von Appen in the second row, with the latter set to make his Waratahs starting debut.

Hunter Ward will also make his starting debut at openside flanker in place of the Wallaby rested Michael Hooper, while Auckland born Taleni Seu returns to blindside and Will Harris promoted to number 8.

Jake Gordon, fresh off a dominant performance against the Force where he scored a try and set up another, partners Ben Donaldson in the halves.

WARATAHS (1-15): 

Tom Lambert, Mahe Vailanu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Zac Von Appen, Taleni Seu, Hunter Ward, Will Harris, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Max Jorgensen, Harry Wilson

RESERVES: Tolu Latu, Nephi Leatigaga, Daniel Botha, Michael Icely, Charlie Gamble, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Mosese Tuipulotu

Referee: Paul Williams

Assistant Referees: Dan Waenga, Angus Mabey

PREDICTION.

The Blues will be too tough here, at home, on Eden Park, against a disappointing Waratahs side. I am expecting them to win by 15 plus points.

Read this too