KIRWAN MIXES IT UP FOR CLASH WITH BRUMBIES
Blues boss Sir John Kirwan has made four changes to his starting XV for Friday’s clash with the Brumbies at Eden Park in Auckland.
Amongst the forwards there are three changes with James Parsons replacing Keven Mealamu at hooker, Luke Braid taking over from Steven Luatua on the blindside flank and Patrick Tuipulotu coming in for Hayden Triggs in the second row.
The final change is in the backline where Melani Nanai returns on the left wing for Tevita Li.
The only players not considered for selection were half-back Bryn Hall on long term recovery while both fullback Lolagi Visinia and All Black prop Tony Woodcock have a further week off recovering from head knocks.
Jimmy Cowan is also on leave as his partner is expecting the birth of their second child.
Blues: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Frank Halai, 13 Pita Ahki, 12 George Moala, 11 Melani Nanai, 10 Dan Bowden, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jerome Kaino (c), 7 Brendon O’Connor, 6 Luke Braid, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 James Parsons, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Sam Prattley, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Hayden Triggs, 20 Steven Luatua, 21 Jamie Booth, 22 Ihaia West, 23 Francis Saili.
Date: Friday, April 10
Kick-off: 19:35 local (07:35 GMT, 17:35 AEDT, 09:35 SAST)
Venue: Eden Park Stadium, Auckland
Referee: Andrew Lees
Assistant referees: Nick Briant, Brendon Pickerill
Television match official: Ben Skeen
Courtesy of SANZAR
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