There’s plenty on the line this Saturday at Eden Park as the Blues host the Waratahs in a must-win clash to stay alive in the Super Rugby finals race.

Kick-off is at 4:35pm, and for several Blues fan favourites, this will be their last home game in the iconic blue jersey.

It’ll be an emotional afternoon for supporters as they farewell Mark Tele’a, Ricky Riccitelli, Harry Plummer and Adrian Choat, all moving on at season’s end.

It’s also a send-off of sorts for Rieko Ioane, who’s taking up an overseas sabbatical before returning to the Blues in 2027.

Fans will be thrilled to see Tele’a back from suspension, slotting in on the right wing with his trademark energy.

AJ Lam shifts into second five-eighth, and Finlay Christie earns the start at halfback.

In the forwards, Anton Segner has been cleared to return after a heavy knock in Round 14.

The bench sees the return of Adrian Choat from injury, with Jordan Lay and Sam Nock also adding punch.

It’s a strong squad, and the Blues will need to fire on all cylinders to keep their finals hopes alive.

But Saturday’s match isn’t just about the game.

Players will wear their club rugby socks with pride—a nod to where it all began.

And fans can soak up a full day of festivities, including the first-ever Waiata Singalong led by Dame Hinewehi Mohi DNZM.

Post-match, the Eden Park turf will open for photos and autographs—a heartfelt thank-you to the loyal Blues supporters.

For Coasties who’ve followed these players since their schoolboy rugby days or watched them go from club fields to Test match stadiums, Saturday’s game will feel personal.

It’s one last chance to cheer them on from our side of the Harbour Bridge.

Blues Team for Round 16

*caps and club teams in brackets

Starting XV:

1. Joshua Fusitu’a (34) (GTEC)
2. Ricky Riccitelli (48) (Tukapa Rugby, Taranaki)
3. Marcel Renata (63) (AURFC)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (capt) (121) (Ponsonby)
5. Laghlan McWhannell (20) (Hautapu, Cambridge)
6. Anton Segner (34) (Frankfurt)
7. Dalton Papali’i (94) (Patumahoe)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (75) (Marist / Manurewa)
9. Finlay Christie (65) (Pukekohe / UC)
10. Beauden Barrett (41) (Coastal, Taranaki)
11. Caleb Clarke (72) (Ponsonby)
12. AJ Lam (55) (GTEC)
13. Rieko Ioane (125) (Ponsonby)
14. Mark Tele’a (77) (Massey)
15. Corey Evans (26) (GTEC)

Reserves:

16. Kurt Eklund (72) (AURFC)

17. Jordan Lay (24) (AURFC)

18. Angus Ta’avao (79) (Marist)

19. Josh Beehre (24) (GTEC)

20. Adrian Choat (52) (Waitemata)

21. Sam Nock (79) (Kerikeri)

22. Harry Plummer (86) (GTEC)

23. Cole Forbes (27) (Te Puke)

Unavailable due to injury:

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

Go the Blues!!

Know something local worth sharing?

Send it to [email protected] — we’ll help spread the word.