The Blues have confirmed three changes to their backline ahead of Friday night’s Round 10 clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch, with Caleb Clarke ruled out due to a thigh injury.

Mark Tele’a shifts to the left wing, Cole Forbes starts on the right, and Zarn Sullivan takes the fullback spot.

It’s the first of four Friday night games in a row for the Blues, who are keen to maintain momentum after consecutive wins.

Head coach Vern Cotter says the team is continuing to push for improvement.

“We have improved each week, but we know we still have plenty of space to get better,” Cotter said.

“There’s great internal competition in this squad. A strong team performance against a confident Crusaders team will be key on Friday night.”

The starting forward pack remains unchanged, with Patrick Tuipulotu leading from lock and younger brother Hamdahn Tuipolotu named on the bench for a potential Blues debut.

The match kicks off at 7:05pm on tomorrow in Christchurch.

Blues Starting XV

1. Joshua Fusitu’a
2. Ricky Riccitelli
3. Angus Ta’avao
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (capt)
5. Josh Beehre
6. Anton Segner
7. Dalton Papali’i
8. Hoskins Sotutu
9. Finlay Christie
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Mark Tele’a
12. AJ Lam
13. Rieko Ioane
14. Cole Forbes
15. Zarn Sullivan

Reserves:

Eklund, Tupaea, Tuipolotu, McWhannell, Suafoa, Choat, Funaki, Plummer

Unavailable due to injury:

Clarke (thigh), Renata (calf), Paul (shoulder), Tu’ungafasi (neck), Darry (shoulder)

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