Live updates of the Super Rugby Pacific clash between the Crusaders and Blues at One New Zealand Stadium.
– The Blues won 29-13 at Eden Park in March.
– Six changes to the Blues’ starting XV, with Dalton Papali’i, Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Bradley Slater all returning.
– George Bower plays in his 100th Crusaders game.
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Blues coach Vern Cotter has retained Sam Nock and Stephen Perofeta at halfback and first five-eighths, leaving All Blacks duo Finlay Christie and Beauden Barrett to come off the bench.
It’s a big call as defeat for either side could have massive repercussions, as Crusaders desperate to close the gap on the top three sides, while the Blues want to keep pressure on the Hurricanes.
“It gives Beauden and Fin a bit of time to sit back and have a role off the bench, which will be important to us,’ Cotter said.
“If you want a result later in the season, especially down in Christchurch, you need a strong 23.”
The Blues are boosted by the return of three key forwards with Dalton Papali’i, Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Bradley Slater all named to start.
Meanwhile the Crusaders will welcome back star winger Sevu Reece in what will be just their second match at their new stadium, Te Kaha.
Reece returns having missed the last two games with illness, as part of three changes to the Crusaders’ backline that sees Dallas McLeod and Rivez Reihana replace Braydon Ennor (hamstring) and pivot Taha Kemara (knee) respectively.
Leicester Fainga’anuku is retained in the loose forwards, while prop George Bower will bring up his 100th match.
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The Blues beat the Crusaders 29-13 when they met earlier this season and another win would mark just the second time (2003) they have beaten them twice in a season.
Crusaders: 1. George Bower, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Antonio Shalfoon, 5. Jamie Hannah, 6. Ethan Blackadder, 7. Leicester Fainga’anuku, 8. Christian Lio‑Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Macca Springer, 12. David Havili (c), 13. Dallas McLeod, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Johnny McNicholl.
Bench: 16. George Bell, 17. Jack Sexton, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Tahlor Cahill, 20.Dom Gardiner, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Cooper Grant, 23. Kurtis Macdonald.
Blues: 1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2. Bradley Slater, 3. Sam Matenga, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Sam Darry, 6. Malachi Wrampling, 7. Dalton Papali’i, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Sam Nock, 10. Stephen Perofeta, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Pita Ahki, 13. AJ Lam, 14. Kade Banks, 15. Zarn Sullivan.
Bench: 16. James Mullan, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Flyn Yates, 19. Laghlan McWhannell, 20. Anton Segner, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Beauden Barrett, 23. Xavi Taele.
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