MAY 11th,2024 EDEN PARK,AUCKLAND
Blues Gear Up for Power-packed Showdown
The Blues have selected a powerful side with a back row made up of All Blacks Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu and Akira Ioane.
Injury Sidelines Rieko Ioane
Rieko Ioane, the All Blacks center, is sidelined due to a concussion sustained during last Friday’s 38-11 victory against the Melbourne Rebels.
Round 12: Cracking Rivalries and Crucial Match-ups
Round 12 presents some cracking rivalries and crucial match-ups as the play-offs approach.
Early Injuries Shake Blues
Injuries to fullback Zarn Sullivan and wing AJ Lam early in the Super Rugby Pacific game on March 9 had major consequences for the Blues as they slumped to a 29-21 loss on March 9.
Blues’ Bench Strategy Foiled
Blues coach Cotter, having named a 6-2 split on his bench for the match in Wellington, wanted to bring on his big boys in the second half to maintain the rage and intensity, but that plan was knocked back when Sullivan and Lam retired with concussions.
Cotter was forced to plonk reserve halfback Taufa Funaki on the wing, while Cole Forbes was at least familiar with the job at fullback.
While not the only factor contributing to the Blues’ loss, the early retirements of Sullivan and Lam certainly added to the damage. The stumble in Wellington remains the sole defeat the Blues have experienced so far.
Hurricanes Face Tough Challenge
With just one point ahead of the second-placed Blues and four rounds remaining in the regular season, the Hurricanes head to Eden Park.
Barrett and Perenara Lead Hurricanes
Barrett will assume his position in the midfield, while the scrumhalf role will be taken by Perenara. Perenara, who scored his 63rd Super Rugby try off the bench last weekend, has set a new competition record.
England international Shields packs down at blindside flank with junior New Zealand international Xavier Numia also coming into the side at prop.
Individual Brilliance Could Decide
Now, it’s the Hurricanes who are required to travel, having suffered their only defeat to the Brumbies in Canberra a fortnight ago.
Having secured an extra bonus point, the Hurricanes sit at the top of the competition log on 42 points ahead of the Blues (41). Victory could hinge on just one moment of individual brilliance. The pressing question remains: who will step up and deliver it?
Team Line-ups
Blues
Zarn Sullivan, Mark Tele’a, AJ Lam, Bryce Heem, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Taufa Funaki, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’I, Akira Ioane, Sam Darry, Patrick Tuipulotu, Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
Reserves. Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes
Hurricanes
Ruben Love, Josh Morby, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Brett Cameron, TJ Perenara, Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Brad Shields, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Kianu Kereru-Symers, Xavier Numia.
Reserves. Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Richard Judd, Bailyn Sullivan
Referee. James Doleman, Assistant Referees, Jono Bredin, Fraser Hannon
Prediction.
This will be tight I feel, but with the advantage of home I will go with the Blues.
About Crusaders vs Highlanders
Comments