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The Blues have named a star studded team to open their Super Rugby Pacific season again the Highlanders on Saturday. Join The Roar for live scores from 5:05pm (AEDT).
The Blues were the form team for most of 2022 before being pipped to the title by the Crusaders.
Beauden Barrett has overcome illness to be one of 13 All Blacks from 2022 in Leon MacDonald’s starting XV.
Tighthead prop Nepo Laulala will make his 100th Super Rugby appearance in Saturday’s game and the Blues are on a four-game win streak against the Highlanders.
Highlanders coach Clarke Dermody has three All Blacks in his starting team, while former England international Freddie Burns is on the bench.
Loosehead prop Ethan de Groot and blindside flanker Shannon Frizell have been listed in the forwards, and Folau Fakatava will start at halfback with Aaron Smith rested for the opening two runds.
Game Information
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Kick-off: 5:05pm (AEST) Live stream:Stan Sport Betting: Highlanders $3.55, Blues $1.50 – odds via PlayUp
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Teams
Highlanders (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Rhys Marshall, Jermaine Ainsley, Pari Pari Parkinson, Josh Dickson, Shannon Frizell, Billy Harmon (c), Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Folau Fakatava, Mitch Hunt, Jona Nareki, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Josh Timu, Jonah Lowe, Sam Gilberthttps://www.theroar.com.au/robots.txt?upapi=trueADAdvertisement
Replacements: Andrew Makalio, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Will Tucker, Sean Withy, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Freddie Burns, Connor Garden-Bachop.
Blues (1-15): Ofa Tuungafasi, Kurt Eklund, Nepo Laulala, Patrick Tuipulotu, Cameron Suafoa, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Stephen Perofeta
Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Joshua Fusitu’a, Marcel Renata, James Tucker, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam.
