Akira Ioane: Boost for Blues as All Blacks back-row returns from injury against Waratahs
October 7, 2024 | News | No Comments
The Blues have received a boost after All Blacks back-row Akira Ioane was named on the replacements bench for their Super Rugby Pacific encounter against the Waratahs in Auckland on Saturday.
Ioane has been sidelined for most of the season after sustaining a knee injury in the Blues’ 60-20 victory against the Highlanders in their season opener in Dunedin.
In other news, the Blues’ clash against the Waratahs will be a significant one for Beauden Barrett and Harry Plummer as both bring up milestones. Barrett will play his 150th Super Rugby match while Plummer will make his 50th appearance for the Blues.
Patrick Tuipulotu to lead the side
Meanwhile, with regular skipper Dalton Papalii still ruled out with an injury to his ribs Adrian Choat gets the nod to start on the openside flank while All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the side.
After having a bye last weekend, Blues head coach Leon MacDonald said his side are keen to return to action against the Waratahs.
“The bye week came at a good time for the boys, and it’s been pleasing to see them return to work this week exuding energy and focus,” he told the Blues’ official website.
“There’s no easy games in this competition and the Waratahs pose threats across the park, we’ve had a good look at the video and have a few ideas on where we want to attack them on Saturday night.”
The team
Blues: 15 Stephen Perofeta, 14 Mark Telea, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Harry Plummer, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Adrian Choat, 6 Anton Segner, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Ofa Tuungafasi
Replacements: 16 Soane Vikena, 17 Jordan Lay, 18 James Lay, 19 Cameron Suafoa, 20 Akira Ioane, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Bryce Heem, 23 Zarn Sullivan
Date: Saturday, April 22
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19:05 local (08:05 BST, 07:05 GMT)
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Dan Waenga (New Zealand), Angus Mabey (New Zealand)
TMO: tbc
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