Tuipulotu out, Robinson gets nod to lead Auckland Blues
COACH LEON MACDONALD MAKES CHANGES AFTER LAST WEEKEND’S SHOCK LOSS TO THE CHIEFS IN HAMILTON.
The Blues are amped and ready to ensure that the Easter break will be no holiday for the visiting Hurricanes when they clash in tonight’s Super Rugby Aotearoa match at Eden Park, Auckland.
The second placed Blues, with two wins and two losses in their opening four games, will begin the second round of the competition following their 31-16 victory over the Canes in the opening match in Wellington. Coach Leon MacDonald has made several changes after the disappointing loss to the Chiefs, although most of the Blues squad from that win in Wellington last month will take part this weekend.
The only new faces from the opening match are veteran TJ Faiane, who gets his first start after an injury-delayed season, and exciting young lock Sam Darry, who made his impressive Super Rugby debut against the Highlanders.
Darry comes in for captain, Patrick Tuipulotu, who has not recovered from a shoulder injury.
Loose forward Tom
Robinson, who made a significant impact off the bench against the Chiefs, has earned his first start of the season at loose forward and will captain the side.
“The performance overall against the Chiefs was disappointing, especially at set-piece, our lack of accuracy and discipline,” MacDonald said.
“The players who made an impact off the bench or have been working hard on the training field have earned their chance.
“Sam gets another start at lock after he impressed us earlier in the season and Tom will lead this team in place Patrick.”
Sam Nock gets his opportunity to start at halfback for the second time this season.
The front row continues the interchange of All Black props with Ofa Tuungafasi welcomed at home in front of friends and family for his 101st game in blue, and Karl Tu’inukuafe, both starting.
The match kicks0ff at 6.05pm and is shown live on Sky Pacific.
Line-up
Blues: 15 Stephen Perofeta, 14 Mark Telea, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 TJ Faiane, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Otere Black, 9 Sam Nock; 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papalii, 6 Tom Robinson (c), 5 Sam Darry, 4 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 3 Ofa Tuungafasi, 2 Luteru Tolai, 1 Karl Tu’inukuafe.
Reserves: 16 Leni Apisai, 17 Alex Hodgman, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Josh Goodhue, 20 Akira Ioane, 21 Jonathan Ruru, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 AJ Lam.
Hurricanes: 1 Fraser Armstrong, 2 Dane Coles, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 4 James Blackwell, 5 Scott Scrafton, 6 Reed Prinsep, 7: Du’plessis Kirifi, 8 Ardie Savea ©, 9 Luke Campbell, 10 Orbyn Leger, 11 Salesi Rayasi, 12 Ngani Laumape, 13 Billy Proctor, 14 Julian Savea, 15 Jordie Barrett.
Reserves: 16. Ricky Riccitelli, 17. Xavier Numia, 18. Tevita Mafileo,
19. Isaia Walker- Leawere, 20. Devan Flanders, 21. Jonathan Taumateine,
22. Peter Umaga-Jensen, 23. Wes Goosen.
- Super Rugby Aotearoa