Highlanders know numbers don’t stack up against Blues

The Blues have turned to their experienced campaigners for Saturday’s Super Rugby quarter final against the Highlanders at Eden Park.

There are 11 players who have played for the All Blacks and two other Māori All Blacks in the 23-strong playing line up.

The Blues are on a 13-game winning streak and finished top of the table after the round robin competition, losing just one game.

“We have faced a number of games this year that we have treated as must-win tests, but now we are in that situation of winner progresses, and loser ends their season,” said MacDonald.

He said it was invaluable for his most experienced players to have the luxury of a week off to refreshen, and at the same time had proof that there is quality back-up waiting in the wings after the extra-time victory over the Waratahs.

The core front row is back in Ofa Tuungafasi and Alex Hodgman with hooker Kurt Eklund.

There All Black loose forwards in captain Dalton Papalii, Akira Ioane and Hoskins Sotutu.

Blues player Beauden Barrett during the Blues v Reds Super Rugby Pacific match at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. Saturday 14 May 2022. © Copyright photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
Photo: Photosport / Andrew Cornaga

Beauden Barrett is at first-five, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Rieko Ioane are in the midfield.

Mark Telea moves to the left wing for the injured Caleb Clarke, with Bryce Heem on to the right wing and the competition’s top scorer Stephen Perofeta at fullback.

The bench includes All Black props Karl Tu’inukuafe and Nepo Laulala and former All Black lock Luke Romano.

The Highlanders are well aware the numbers don’t stack up for them

They’ve won just four of their 14 games to sneak into the playoffs.

“I can’t think of a bigger challenge than this one for our team, to play the Blues at Eden Park, we are going to have to be at our very best across the park,” said coach Tony Brown.

Shannon Frizell of the Highlanders in action during the Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and the Reds.
Photo: Photosport

“We know the mixed season we have had but in a play-off game you don’t have to be consistent for 6 months, just 80 minutes.”

The Highlanders welcome back some fresh legs in the form of All Black Shannon Frizell after a long layoff for injury.

Injuries to hookers Liam Coltman and Rhys Marshall means a potential debut for Auckland hooker,Leni Apisai,who incredibly has spent time as a replacement with four New Zealand Super Rugby sides this season.

Hugh Renton replaces James Lentjes in the loose forwards, as Lentjes has a shoulder injury.

-RNZ