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Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is back for the Blues but Leon MacDonald has made seven personnel changes and a further three positional tweaks to his side to take on Moana Pasifika. Join The Roar for live updates from 5.05pm AEST.
After coming through their difficult assignment in Fiji in flying colours, MacDonald has been forced into juggling beating the lowly Moana Pasifika and preparing for next week’s tough trip to take on the Crusaders.
Lock Patrick Tuipulotu has been given another week to recover from his knee-injury while several players have been rested.
Nonetheless, MacDonald has named a strong side that sees Akira Ioane return at blindside flanker and Harry Plummer shift to the playmaking position. That sees Beauden Barrett return to fullback.
Tuivasa-Sheck makes his return from a hand injury to partner Bryce Heem in the midfield.
There’s some strike power to bring off the bench, with All Blacks Finlay Christie and Rieko Ioane to inject some pace into the game.
Moana Pasifika head coach Aaron Mauger has made just three changes to his side that produced a late comeback but suffered their ninth straight defeat against the Rebels last week.
D’Angelo Leuila replaces Danny Toala at inside centre, while up front Chris Apoua slots in at tight-head prop for Isi Tu’ungafasi. Alamanda Motuga returns from his hamstring strain to replace Jonah Mau’u in the back-row.
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Game information
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland Kick-off: 5:05pm (AEST) Streaming: Stan Sport Odds: Blues $1.04, Moana $15.00 – odds via Playup
Teams
Blues (1-5): Ofa Tuungafasi, Kurt Eklund, Marcel Renata, James Tucker, Sam Darry, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii (c), Cameron Suafoa, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clark, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam, Beauden Barrett
Replacements: Soane Vikena, Joshua Fusitu’a, James Lay, Tom Robinson, Anton Segner, Finlay Christie, Rieko Ioane, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
Moana (1-15): Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Chris Apoua, Michael Curry, Mike McKee, Miracle Failagi, Alamanda Motuga, Solomone, Funaki (c), Ereatara Enari, Christian Lealiifano, Neria Fomai, D’Angelo Leuila, Levi Aumua, Timoci Tavatavanawai, William Havili
Replacements: Luteru Tolai, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Tau Koloamatangi, Alex McRobbie, Jonah Mau’u, Jonathan Taumateine, Lincoln McClutchie, Fine Inisi
