EDEN PARK,AUCKLAND ,NZ
Highlanders Player Connor Garden-Bachop Passes Away
We start with the very sad news that Highlanders rugby player Connor Garden-Bachop has died.
Condolences to Garden-Bachop Family
Garden-Bachop, an outside back, is the son of former All Black Stephen Bachop and former Black Fern Sue Garden-Bachop, who also died in 2009 after a long battle with cancer. He is the nephew of former All Black player Graeme Bachop.
Tragic Passing in Christchurch
It is believed that Garden-Bachop passed away following a medical incident on Monday evening at a relative’s home in Christchurch.
Remembering Connor’s Career
The 25-year-old, who also played for the Wellington Lions and Canterbury in the NPC, debuted for the Highlanders in 2021 as the club’s 300th player and was awarded the club’s Rookie of the Year.
He was also chosen for the Māori All Blacks in 2022, debuting in a two-test series against Ireland.
Condolences Extended
We pass our sincere condolences, support and love, onto to the family and friends.
Blues Boosted by Tuipulotu’s Return
The hosts have received a significant boost with the return of captain and All Black Patrick Tuipulotu for Saturday’s decider.
Timely Recovery for Tuipulotu
Tuipulotu has made a timely recovery from the MCL injury he sustained during the quarter-final win over the Fijian Drua.
Initially, it was rumored that the injury would sideline him until the start of the Test season.
However, the Blues have announced their captain’s return, replacing Josh Beehre in the second row.
Patty’s Return to Boost Blues
Patty’s a Blues man through and through and came through this week pretty keen to play in a Grand Final.
Chiefs Dealing with Injuries After Physical Semi-Final
Meanwhile, the Chiefs are dealing with the aftermath of a physical semi-final, having lost All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho.
Taukei’aho sustained a leg injury during the win over the Hurricanes, exiting the game after the 20th minute.
Tyrone Thompson has been thrown in for his first start of 2024, with Bradley Slater coming off the bench.
Slater also left the game late due to a knock, while Thompson last started for the Chiefs in round 15 of 2023 against the Western Force.
Stevenson Returns for Chiefs
The visitors were boosted by the return of fullback Shaun Stevenson, a late withdrawal last week due to a hamstring complaint.
Coach Clayton McMillan has made one change to the bench, bringing in Manaaki Selby-Rickit to replace Naitoa Ah Kuoi.
BLUES.
Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sam Darry, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Stephen Perofeta
RESERVES. Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Bryce Heem, Cole Forbes
CHIEFS
Aidan Ross, Tyrone Thompson, George Dyer, Jimmy Tupou, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
RESERVES. Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Simon Parker, Xavier Roe, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona
Referee. Nic Berry, Assistant Referees. Jordan Way, Damon Murphy
Prediction.
I don’t think there is a lot between these teams, so discipline is key. No easy penalties, and definitely no cards or send offs. The Blues will start as favourites at home, but do not right the Chiefs off.
In other Internationals, England will be to good for Japan, and South Africa will be to good for Wales.
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