The Blues have been given a big boost ahead of their sold-out Super Rugby Pacific final against the Chiefs in Auckland with the return of talismanic captain Patrick Tuipulotu.
Tuipulotu injured his MCL in the quarter-final match against the Fijian Drua and sat out the semi-final win over the Brumbies a week ago.
It was initially thought the injury would put him in jeopardy for the start of the Test season for the All Blacks.
Watch all the action from the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific final, with every match ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport
Come Saturday, he’ll lead the Blues out as they look to win their first Super Rugby title outside of the COVID-19 impacted competitions since 2003.
“Patty’s a Blues man through and through and came to us this week pretty keen to play in a grand final,” said coach Vern Cotter.
“He tested the knee on Monday in the gym, then on the grass yesterday. He’s pulled up well and has the all-clear from our medical team.
“He’s a welcome addition to our pack, our talisman lock and leader.”
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The team’s doctor James McGarvey offered some insight into Tuipulotu’s recovery, indicating an element of risk is being taken onto the field.
“Patty felt good on Monday and with strapping found he was able do everything rugby related with minimal symptoms,” said McGarvey.
“Given it’s a final, he decided to try to work through the week and play.”
Josh Beehre makes way for Tuipulotu while Bryce Heem will return to the bench.
“There’s a deep desire in this group to go the whole way but to do that we need to be clear in our thinking, disciplined and not let the occasion get the better of us,” said Cotter.
“The Chiefs will be coming to spoil the party, we’ve got a sold out Eden Park that we hope will be awash in blue, this will be a great occasion and I can feel the excitement building in the group.”
While the Blues are back to full strength, the Chiefs will field injury replacements.
All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho will be replaced by Tyrone Thompson while Manaaki Selby-Rickit comes onto the bench in place of Naitoa Ah Kuoi.
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Shaun Stevenson will return to the starting 15 meaning Daniel Rona drops to the bench.
“It’s unfortunate to have lost some key players through injury, but no team has been immune to this, and you won’t see us worrying about something we can’t control,” said Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan.
“We are genuinely excited for the players who now get their opportunity. In Tyrone Thompson and Manaaki Selby-Rickit, we have two quality players who will serve the team extremely well.”
Despite the injuries, McMillan is optimistic about his side’s chances of an upset win.
Just three teams have won the Super Rugby Pacific title after finishing fourth on the ladder.
“The Blues have impressed with how they have gone about their work, establishing a harder edge under Vern whilst maintaining their ability to hurt you through their explosive backs,” said McMillan.
“I can’t see them wavering from their willingness to kick long, pressure the ball and go to war through the middle of the park, so we at least know what’s coming our way.”
“We produced some good footy when it mattered and feel battle-hardened for a final. Our leaders have really stepped up, driven our preparation and led by example through their performances.”
BLUES v CHIEFS in Auckland, Saturday 5.05pm kickoff AEST
BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sam Darry, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Stephen Perofeta
RESERVES: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Bryce Heem, Cole Forbes
CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Tyrone Thompson, George Dyer, Jimmy Tupou, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
RESERVES: Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Simon Parker, Xavier Roe, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Damon Murphy