Blues winger Caleb Clarke is set to make his much-anticipated return from injury in Saturday night's Super Rugby clash against Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium.

After missing four games with a thigh injury, Clarke will take his spot on the left wing, while AJ Lam shifts to the right.

For Coasties, this is a prime chance to see some of the country’s top rugby talent right on their doorstep.

In a further boost for the Blues' lineup, Angus Ta’avao returns to start at tighthead prop, Josh Beehre steps into the second row, and Adrian Choat fills in at blindside flanker, replacing Anton Segner, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Blues head coach Vern Cotter is focused on maintaining the team’s momentum.

“This is another big match for us. We need to be clinical as a group and lift our physicality and intensity,” Cotter said.

“We’ve built some good momentum in recent weeks, and this is another step forward as we focus on continually improving our game.”

Starting XV:

1. Joshua Fusitu’a (33 caps)
2. Ricky Riccitelli (47 caps)
3. Angus Ta’avao (78 caps)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (Captain) (120 caps)
5. Josh Beehre (23 caps)
6. Adrian Choat (51 caps)
7. Dalton Papali’i (93 caps)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (74 caps)
9. Taufa Funaki (32 caps)
10. Beauden Barrett (40 caps)
11. Caleb Clarke (71 caps)
12. Xavi Taele (4 caps)
13. Rieko Ioane (124 caps)
14. AJ Lam (54 caps)
15. Corey Evans (25 caps)

Reserves:

• Kurt Eklund (71 caps)
• Mason Tupaea (7 caps)
• Marcel Renata (62 caps)
• Laghlan McWhannell (19 caps)
• Cam Christie (7 caps)
• Finlay Christie (64 caps)
• Harry Plummer (85 caps)
• Cole Forbes (26 caps)

Injury Updates:

• Anton Segner (shoulder)
• Stephen Perofeta (leg)
• Reon Paul (shoulder)
• Cam Suafoa (medical)
• Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck, season)
• Sam Darry (shoulder, season)

For Coasties, this is more than just a game—it's a chance to watch world-class players like Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane, and the returning Clarke light up North Harbour Stadium.

Don’t miss it.

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