The Blues have named a near-full strength side to face the Chiefs in Saturday night’s rematch of last year’s Super Rugby Pacific final.
After winning their first full title since 2003, the defending champions return to Eden Park for club stalwart Ofa Tu’ungafasi’s 150th Super cap.
Returning All Black great Beauden Barrett will play at fullback with Harry Plummer retaining the N0.10 jersey. Zarn Sullivan has been ruled out with a foot injury.
Other notable absences include star No.8 Hoskins Sotutu (knee) and first five-eighth Stephen Perofeta (calf).
The Blues have two potential debutants, hooker Nathaniel Pole and flanker Che Clark, both of whom have been named on the bench.
“The team can draw confidence from the championship title last year, but this is 2025, a new season and we all start on zero points,” said head coach Vern Cotter.
“There is no magic formula, just loads of hard work, clarity of roles and game plan, and execution.
“This group of men has talent to burn. If we can harness it in one clear direction, then there is no reason why we cannot prosper this year.
“The team is excited to start the season at our fortress of Eden Park with our fans out in force to support us.”
Blues team to play the Chiefs, Saturday, 7.05pm kick off
1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi
2. Ricky Riccitelli
3. Marcel Renata
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c)
5. Laghlan McWhannell
6. Anton Segner
7. Dalton Papali’i
8. Cameron Suafoa
9. Taufa Funaki
10. Harry Plummer
11. Caleb Clarke
12. AJ Lam
13. Rieko Ioane
14. Mark Tele’a
15. Beauden Barrett
Reserves
16. Nathaniel Pole*
17. Josh Fusitua
18. Angus Ta’avao
19. Che Clark*
20. Adrian Choat
21. Fin Christie
22. Corey Evans
23. Cole Forbes
*Denotes potential debut
Players not considered: Kurt Eklund (groin), James Mullan (concussion), Sam Darry (shoulder, season), PJ Sheck (shoulder), Hoskins Sotutu (knee), Zarn Sullivan (foot), Stephen Perofeta (calf), Ben Ake (shoulder)
