Blues head coach Tana Umaga has named a largely settled team for this weekend’s Super Rugby match against the Crusaders at Eden Park.
In the only change to the side that beat the Western Force last week Northland’s Kara Pryor comes off the reserves’ bench to make his first start .
Pryor has played nine games this season coming off the replacements bench and made a considerable impact.
He comes in to the starting line-up to replace Tanerau Latimer who was ruled out with a knee injury. Tonga World Cup representative and Pryor’s fellow Northland player, Jack Ram comes into the reserves for the first time after playing once last year.
It is the only change from the team that beat the Western Force in Perth last weekend.
Japan international Male Sa’u is bracketed at centre with George Moala who is nursing some bumps and bruises after a typically physical clash last weekend. If Moala is ruled out then Michael Little will come on to the bench.
Former Crusader Billy Guyton gets a second straight start at halfback with top try scorer Melani Nanai to again start at fullback.
Players not considered with injury include Matt McGahan with a hip injury, Latimer, and longer-term injured players Ben Lam, TJ Faiane, Rene Ranger, Matt Vaega and Blake Gibson.
Blues
Sam Prattley, James Parsons (c), Charlie Faumuina, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Bekhuis, Jerome Kaino, Kara Pryor, Steven Luatua; Billy Guyton, Ihaia West, Tevita Li, Piers Francis, George Moala/Male Sa’u, Matt Duffie, Melani Nanai.
Replacements : Quentin MacDonald, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Sione Mafileo, Hoani Matenga, Jack Ram; Bryn Hall, Male Sa/u/Michael Little, Lolagi Visinia.
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