Sat JUNE 8th EDEN PARK, AUCKLAND,NZ
Super Rugby Playoffs: Field Narrowed to Eight
The field has been whittled down to eight and after this weekend just four teams will remain in contention for the Super Rugby title in 2024.
Six of the eight finalists from last season are back for another shot at the trophy, with the Waratahs and Crusaders replaced by the Highlanders and Rebels.
Blues Aim to Dominate Drua at Eden Park
From one potential blowout to another, the Drua are once again on the road which is not a good sign for their chances of beating the Blues.
They have lost 21 of 22 road games in Super Rugby Pacific and covered in just two of their last eight.
One of those defeats came at the hands of the Blues back in February and the Auckland-based side are in imperious form, covering in their last eight at home.
Not to mention they boast a competition best points difference of +255, missing out on the minor premiership by a single point.
In Fiji it might be a different story, but Eden Park has claimed much bigger sides than this Drua team and I’m expecting the Blues to be well clear after the opening 40 minutes.
Blues vs. Drua: Key Changes in Line-up
All Black, Finlay Christie, moves into the starting halfback role after being used from the bench last week when returning from a groin injury.
The only other change to the starting 15 is a forced one, with Josh Beehre starting at lock due to Sam Darry being out under concussion protocols.
A positional switch in the backline will see Stephen Perofeta go back to fullback with Harry Plummer moving back in the No10 jersey
Fijian Drua Maintain Winning Team for Blues Clash
Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne has named an unchanged starting 15 from the one that defeated the Rebels
Line-up
Blues
Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, 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, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes
Drua
Livai Natave, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Leone Rotuisolia, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi (c), Frank Lomani, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Waqa Nalaga, Kemu Valetini, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese
Reserves. Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samu Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Motikiai Murray, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz
Referee. Nic Berry, Assistant Referees. Jordan Way, Reuben Keane
Prediction.
Blues all the way.
Comments