Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa Updates Live: Blues v Hurricanes at Eden Park

All the action between Blues and Hurricanes.

The Blues have a new captain for their Super Rugby Aotearoa clash against the Hurricanes.

Forward Tom Robinson will take the armband in his first start of the season, and regular patron Patrick Tuipulotu was unable to recover from a shoulder injury sustained in the Blues’ loss to the Chiefs last weekend.

Partly as a result of that disappointing loss, Blues head coach Leon MacDonald has made seven changes to the starting lineup for the clash at Eden Park on Saturday night.

TJ Faiane starts in midfield for the first time this season after a delayed start to the season with injuries, while young bolt Sam Darry has a second start after an impressive Super Rugby debut against the Highlanders, replacing Tuipulotu.

Sam Nock starts as a running back, while the All Blacks duo of Ofa Tuungafasi and Karl Tu’inukuafe enter as starting props.

A possible new top from the bench comes with winger AJ Lam, after a strong domestic season with Auckland.

“The overall performance against the Chiefs was disappointing, especially on set pieces, our lack of precision and discipline. Players who had an impact off the bench or who have been working hard on training camp have earned their chance.” MacDonald said.

“When we get a forward ball we show how dangerous we can be. But we have to be more precise on set pieces and keep improving in terms of discipline.

“We started the season well but we lacked precision in the last two games and last week’s game was disappointing. That has led to some changes this week as the players who have done the mahi in training have their chance.”

Blues team to face the Hurricanes:

Stephen Prophet, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane, TJ Faiane, Caleb Clarke, Otere Black, Sam Nock, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii, Tom Robinson (c), Sam Darry, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Ofa Tuungafasi, Luteru Tolai, Karl Tu ‘ inukuafe.

Bookings: Leni Apisai, Alex Hodgman, Nepo Laulala, Josh Goodhue, Akira Ioane, Jonathan Ruru, Harry Plummer, AJ Lam.