SUPER RUGBY

Blues make one change for semi-final against Brumbies

By Agencies

Posted on June 12, 2024

Blues Players celebrate. PHOTO/ Planet Rugby

The Blues have made one enforced change to their side for Friday night’s DHL Super Rugby Pacific Semi Final showdown against the Brumbies at Eden Park, 7:05pm NZT.

Lock Sam Darry returns to the starting side after sitting out last week under concussion protocols, replacing skipper Patrick Tuipulotu who is sidelined with a knee injury.

The change also means openside flanker Dalton Papali’i assumes the Blues captaincy for the Semi Final on Friday night.

Blues Head Coach, Vern Cotter said an emphasis on rugby basics will ensure the team are in a good position to perform.

“We don’t need to do anything drastically different just because we’re playing a Semi Final,” said Cotter.

“We know what’s served us well this season, strong ball carries, breakdown efficiency and astute decision making – nothing changes on Friday night,” he said.

It will be a special night for Blues loose forward Akira Ioane who has confirmed this season will be his last in blue before heading overseas.

“Aki is a veteran of this team, a man of action and someone who commands respect from both his team mates and his opposition,” said Cotter.

“The boys know this could be the last time he runs out on Eden Park in a Blues jersey and we want to make sure we put in a performance worthy of the occasion,” he said.

“The crowd and atmosphere are everything in these knockout matches.”

“Having a large group greet us off the bus at Gate A last game was awesome and gave the boys a lift. Hopefully we see another big crowd on Friday night – tickets for kids are just 10 dollars so we hope families will come out in force!”

Blues: