The Auckland Blues are determined to get back into the winners' circle when they face the Hurricanes in Wellington tonight, following a difficult start to the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.

After losing 29-21 to the Highlanders last Saturday in a highly charged match at Forsyth Barr Stadium, the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific champions are now chasing their first victory of the year.

Despite the loss, Blues coach Vern Cotter was pleased with his team’s performance in Dunedin and is hopeful for an even stronger showing in Wellington.

"We had a great start last week, but we need to put in an 80-minute performance," Cotter said.

"We’ve had good starts against the Chiefs and the Highlanders, but now it’s time to build on those moments for the full 80 minutes."

The Blues have made minimal changes to the starting line-up, with only one injury-related change.

Lock Laghlan McWhannell is out due to a cheek injury, with Cam Christie named in the reserves, potentially set for his debut.

Experienced halfback Sam Nock, who made an impact off the bench last season, is also included in the reserves for his first appearance of the season.

Cotter emphasised that the Blues will face a tough physical challenge in Wellington, particularly against a Hurricanes side that has consistently been aggressive in previous encounters.

"The Hurricanes were typically aggressive when we played them in pre-season, and I’m expecting another hard battle," he added.

"We need to improve our set phase and collisions to match them."

The match kicks off at 7:05 pm on Saturday in Wellington.

Blues Starting Team (Caps in brackets):

Ofa Tu’ungafasi (151), 2. Ricky Riccitelli (40), 3. Marcel Renata (55), 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (111) ©, 5. Josh Beere (12), 6. Cameron Suafoa (26), 7. Dalton Papali’i (85), 8. Hoskins Sotutu (67)

Finlay Christie (56), 10. Harry Plummer (77), 11. Caleb Clarke (66), 12. AJ Lam (45), 13. Rieko Ioane (114), 14. Mark Tele’a (69), 15. Beauden Barrett (32).

Reserves:

16. James Mullan (1), 17. Joshua Fusitu’a (22), 18. Angus Ta’avao (67), 19. Cam Christie (Debut), 20. Anton Segner (25), 21. Sam Nock (73), 22. Corey Evans (15), 23. Cole Forbes (18).

Players not considered:

Kurt Eklund (groin), Sam Darry (shoulder, season), Laghlan McWhannell (cheek), PJ Sheck (shoulder), Zarn Sullivan (foot), Stephen Perofeta (calf), Ben Ake (shoulder), Reon Paul (shoulder), Taufa Funaki (shoulder), Adrian Choat (knee).

Have a story to share from your neighbourhood? We’d love to hear from you! 

Send your news tips and stories to [email protected]