The Blues will head to Hamilton this Saturday with renewed confidence as several experienced players return from injury to face the Chiefs at FMG Stadium Waikato. Kick-off is at 19:05.

It’s a chance for the Blues to get one back after the Chiefs defeated them 25-14 at Eden Park in the season opener.

That match saw the home side lead 14-6 at halftime, only to be kept scoreless in the second half.

Now sitting in the bottom half of the Super Rugby Pacific table with one win from four games, the Blues are determined to turn things around.

Despite leading at halftime in every match so far, they’ve struggled to close games out.

Head coach Vern Cotter hopes the return of key players—and the injection of exciting young talent—will help change that.

North Harbour’s Cameron Christie earns another start after impressing on debut, while All Black Dalton Papali’i returns to strengthen the loose forwards alongside Anton Segner.

Up front, Samoan international Jordan Lay makes his first start of the season, with Laghlan McWhannell back from injury in the second row.

In the backs, experienced halfback Sam Nock gets his first start this year.

He’ll guide a potent backline featuring All Blacks Caleb Clarke, Rieko Ioane and Mark Tele’a.

There’s also a debut for Xavi Taele, last year’s age group player of the year, who joins Ioane in midfield.

Corey Evans will wear the number 15 jersey, bringing versatility to the backfield.

“We are continuing to show improvement after a slowish start to the season,” Cotter said.

“With several key players back from injury, we are looking for some significant input from our bench.”

The bench features experienced campaigners, including Angus Ta’avao, Finlay Christie and Stephen Perofeta, along with power runners AJ Lam and Josh Beehre.

Cotter is confident their impact could prove vital in the second half.

“We’re expecting a physical clash and would certainly like to get one back on the Chiefs after they beat us at home,” Cotter said.

Coasties following the Blues will be pleased to see Dalton Papali’i back in action, while North Harbour fans can cheer on rising star Cameron Christie, who came through Orewa College, in his second start.

Players still sidelined include Beauden Barrett (hand), expected to be out for 4-6 weeks, and Hoskins Sotutu, who is suspended.

Blues Team To Play Chiefs

(Blues caps in brackets)

1. Jordan Lay (22)
2. Kurt Eklund (64)
3. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (153)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu© (116)
5. Laghlan McWhannell (13)
6. Cameron Christie (2)
7. Dalton Papali’i (86)
8. Anton Segner (27)
9. Sam Nock (75)
10. Harry Plummer (79)
11. Caleb Clarke (68)
12. Xavi Taele (Debut)
13. Rieko Ioane (116)
14. Mark Tele’a (71)
15. Corey Evans (17)

Reserves:

16. Nathaniel Pole (2)

17. Joshua Fusitu’a (25)

18. Angus Ta’avao (70)

19. Josh Beehre (15)

20. Cameron Suafoa (28)

21. Finlay Christie (58)

22. Stephen Perofeta (68)

23. AJ Lam (47)

Go the Blues!

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