Live updates of the round 10 clash between the Blues and Highlanders at Eden Park.<\/p>\n
– The Blues see the return of three All Blacks including captain Patrick Tupulotu.<\/p>\n
– Coming off a loss to the Brumbies<\/a>, the Highlanders have made one change to their starting side with Te Kamaka Howden shifting to lock, allowing Sean Withy to start at blindside flanker.<\/p>\n – The Highlanders are aiming for consecutive wins over the Blues for the first time since April 2018, the last time they won at Eden Park.<\/p>\n AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.<\/a><\/p>\n The Blues have been bolstered by the return of three All Blacks including captain Patrick Tupulotu, who will make his first appearance of the season against the Highlanders.<\/p>\n Tuipulotu, who has been sidelined since October after having shoulder surgery, slots straight back into the starting side, with loose forwards Dalton Papali\u2019i and Hoskins Sotutu also named to start after overcoming back and knee injuries respectively.<\/p>\n Coach said having their skipper back is a massive boost for the team.<\/p>\n \u201cHaving Patrick back is massive for us. He\u2019s a leader who drives standards on and off the field. You can feel the lift in the group with him back out on the field,\u201d Cotter said.<\/p>\n \u201cDalton and Hoskins have both worked hard through their rehab and also bring huge experience and leadership back into our group. Collectively we\u2019re looking forward to getting back out there on Friday night.\u201d<\/p>\n The Blues have opted for a 6-2 bench split.<\/p>\n For the Highlanders, halfback Folau Fakatava returns via the bench having been dropped for several weeks by coach Jamie Joseph.<\/p>\n Coming off a loss to the Brumbies<\/a>, the Highlanders have made one change to their starting side with Te Kamaka Howden shifting to lock, allowing Sean Withy to start at blindside flanker.<\/p>\n