Mealamu out for the Hurricanes clash
Blues captain, Keven Mealamu. Photo via Fox Sport.
Having returned from South Africa and facing a short turnaround before their Friday night match against the Hurricanes, the Blues are forced to field a team without their captain, Keven Mealamu.
A calf strain which saw Mealamu leave the field during the Stormers match last week, along with a three week suspension given to Luke Braid has meant once again, Wider Training Group players have been called into the 22.
Auckland lock Liaki Moli will get his first start for the Blues and All Black prop Tony Woodcock makes a very timely return to the front row.
Injured wingers Rudi Wulf and David Raikuna are back on deck and will both start the match.
Gareth Anscombe suffered a nose fracture during last week’s game but will still be on the bench for the Hurricanes match.
The team is as follows:
1. Tony Woodcock
2. Tom McCartney
3. Charlie Faumuina
4. Liaki Moli
5. Ali Williams
6. Chris Lowrey
7. Daniel Braid (Captain)
8. Brad Mika
9. Alby Mathewson
10. Piri Weepu
11. Rudi Wulf
12. Ma’a Nonu
13. Benson Stanley
14. David Raikuna
15. Lachie Munro
Reserves:
16. James Parsons (First game for Blues)
17. Tevita Mailau
18. Filo Paulo
19. Sean Polwart
20. Gareth Anscombe
21. Michael Hobbs
22. Hadleigh Parkes
