World Cup-winning halfback Piri Weepu will be on the bench for the Blues’ opening Super Rugby clash with the Crusaders at Auckland’s Eden Park on Friday night.
All Blacks star Weepu, who switched from the Hurricanes in the off-season, will be reserve to incumbent Alby Mathewson while Michael Hobbs takes the contentious five eighth spot.
David Raikuna will make his Blues debut on the wing, while another rookie, Hadleigh Parkes, is on the bench.
Blues: Isaia Toeava, David Raikuna, Rene Ranger, Benson Stanley, Rudi Wulf, Michael Hobbs, Alby Mathewson, Jerome Kaino, Daniel Braid, Chris Lowrey, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tom McCartney. Res: Pauliasi Manu, Tevita Mailau, Brad Mika, Luke Braid, Piri Weepu, Hadleigh Parkes, Sherwin Stowers.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Queensland have pushed the Hurricanes and the Blues giving the Reds coach confidence they can match it with the top teams.
Queensland led by seven late in the game, but conceded two late tries to the Kiwi side who claimed a late victory.
The Queensland winger was making his starting debut and he made his tries look like he was a veteran in that position.
Queensland led by seven points with six minutes remaining but the Kiwi side scored two tries - one after the 80 minutes to snatch…
But the winger's three tries weren't enough as the Blues stole a late win 41-37.
The Queensland centre created the try out of nowhere with a perfect chip and chase to find the flying winger to run away and…
