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Blues
36
Match Complete
Moana Pasifika
17
| 78 |  | K. Taumoefolau | ||
| K. Eklund | | 64 | ||
| 57 |  | P. Pellegrini | ||
| 57 | | M. Faiilagi | ||
| B. Barrett | | 48 | ||
| H. Sotutu | | 47 | ||
| B. Barrett | | 37 | ||
| M. Tele'a | | 36 | ||
| 30 | | S. T. Ta'eiloa | ||
| B. Barrett | | 26 | ||
| P. Tuipulotu | | 25 | ||
| B. Barrett | | 15 | ||
| R. Riccitelli | | 2 |
| 6 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 3 | Conversions | 1 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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The Blues have named a largely unchanged starting line-up for Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific clash with Moana Pasifika at Eden Park (2.35pm AEST). Join The Roar for live updates.
Hooker Ricky Riccitelli returns from injury to join the starting side, while prop Angus Ta’avao slots in to replace Marcel Renata, who has been ruled out with a calf injury.
Halfback Taufa Funaki and flyhalf Harry Plummer are back in their 23, the latter alongside Stephen Perofeta as playmaking options.
It will be a special match for centre AJ Lam who is set to notch up his 50th Super Rugby appearance.
Coming off a gritty win over the Hurricanes in Round 8, the Blues are looking to keep their momentum rolling against Moana Pasifika.
“Moana is a big game for us and we will work hard and prepare the same way as we do every week,” said coach Vern Cotter.
“Last week’s win was a real team effort. We made improvements in some key areas and are expecting an even better performance this weekend. We know we can still improve a lot and that’s exciting.”
Miracle Faiilagi is back from a hamstring injury to boost Moana Pasifika.
Faiilagi will start at blindside flanker, reforming the strong loose forward trio with Ardie Savea and Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa.
Jackson Garden-Bachop moves into the the No.10, alongside Melani Matavao who is having a first start of the season.
Pepesana Patafilo returns at left wing.
BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Ricky Riccitelli, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Corey Evans
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Mason Tupaea, PJ Sheck, Cam Christie, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer, Stephen Perofeta
PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Millennium Sanerivi, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Sam Slade, Allan Craig, Miracle Faiilagi, Ardie Savea (c), Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Melani Matavao, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Pepesana Patafilo, Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Kyren Taumoefolau, William Havili
Replacements: Sama Malolo, James Lay, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Sione Havili Talitui, Aisea Halo, Patrick Pellegrini, Fine Inisi
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant Referees: Mike Winter, Warwick Lahmert
TMO: Richard Kelly
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Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.