Blues coach Tana Umaga has made nine changes to his starting side for their Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes on Friday.
The Blues coach Tana Umaga. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Following the Blues 28-13 loss to the Crusaders last week Umaga has opted to move Steven Luatua into lock, pushing Patrick Tuipulotu to the bench, while All Black prop Charlie Faumuina will make his first start of the year in the number three jersey.
Other changes to the forward pack include Akira Ioane at number eight and James Parsons will start at hooker over Quentin MacDonald.
Bryn Hall and Ihaia West have reclaimed the number nine and number 10 jersey while league convert Matt Duffie has been left out of the side completely after starting at fullback against the Crusaders.
Lolagi Visinia will start at fullback after recovering from injury while Rene Ranger has been moved to the right wing to make way for Male Sa'u at centre.
Tana Umaga said he always planned on making a number of changes for the match against the Hurricanes and believes this side is his best chance of a win.
Blues team to face the Hurricanes on at Eden Park on March 11 is:
Ofa Tu'ungafasi
James Parsons
Charlie Faumuina
Steven Luatua
Josh Bekhuis
Jerome Kaino ©
Blake Gibson
Akira Ioane
Bryn Hall
Ihaia West
Tevita Li
George Moala
Male Sa'u
Rene Ranger
Lolagi Visinia.
Reserves:
Quentin MacDonald
Nic Mayhew
Sione Mafileo
Patrick Tuipulotu
Kara Pryor
Billy Guyton
Matt McGahan
Melani Nanai.
