Blues
30
Match Complete
Western Force
17
| 77 |  | H. Stewart | ||
| 76 |  | Z. Kibirige | ||
| S. Perofeta | | 62 | ||
| R. Riccitelli | | 60 | ||
| 56 | | T. Pulu | ||
| M. Telea | | 47 | ||
| 34 | | M. Wells | ||
| S. Perofeta | | 32 | ||
| O. Tu'ungafasi | | 31 | ||
| J. Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens | | 28 | ||
| S. Perofeta |  | 25 | ||
| S. Perofeta | | 4 |
| 4 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 1 | ||
| 2 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Simon Cron has made four changes to his side starting side against the Blues, with Sam Spink to make his debut for the Force. Join The Roar for live scores and updates from 1:35pm (AEDT).
The Force have made four changes to the team that lost a rollercoaster match to the Highlanders a week ago in Invercargill.
Former London Wasps outside centre Sam Spink will make his debut after an injury in the pre-season ruled him out for the first few rounds. The outside centre impressed during the pre-season, and he will partner Hamish Stewart in the centres.
There has been an injury-forced shake up in the front-row, with Wallabies hooker Folau Fainga’a returning after an Achilles injury, while fellow Wallaby Tom Robertson’s concussion sees Angus Wagner start up front.
Tim Anstee gets a crack at the seven jersey after a strong performance off the bench last week against the ‘Landers. While the Force bring back some firepower, the Blues have taken the opportunity to rest some All Blacks stars. Prop Nepo Laulala, Test halves Finlay Christie and Beauden Barrett, centre Rieko Ioane and winger Caleb Clarke have each been rested due to New Zealand Rugby’s World Cup protocols. Former rugby league sensation Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been ruled out due to a hand injury.
Stephen Perofeta has had to step into fly-half in a refashioned Blues side dealing with WC protocols and a growing injury list. The gravest of the latest injuries is Alex Hodgman who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a hand injury as well.
“It was a real ding-dong over the weekend and we’ve unfortunately picked up a couple more injuries,” Blues coach Leon MacDonald said.
Force coach Simon Cron will look at the mountain of All Blacks talent left out of the Blues side and think his team can turn this from an almost certain defeat into a scrap.
Game information
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 1.35pm (AEDT)
Streaming: Stan Sport
Betting: Blues $1.06, Force $10 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Blues (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tuungafasi, James Tucker, Cameron Suafoa, Anton Segner, Adrian Choat, Hoskins Sotutu, Sam Nock, Stephen Perofeta, Mark Telea, Harry Plummer (c), Bryce Heem, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Zarn Sullivan
Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, Tom Robinson, Sam Darry, Taine Plumtree, Taufa Funaki, AJ Lam
Force (1-15): Angus Wagner, Folau Fainga’a, Santiago Medrano, Felix Kalapu, Jeremy Williams, Michael Wells (c), Tim Anstee, Rahboni Vosayaco, Gareth Simpson, Bryce Hegarty, Toni Pulu, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Zach Kibirge, Chase Tiatia
Replacements: Tom Horton, Marley Pearce, Siosifa Amone, Ryan McCauley, Ollie Callan, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Bayley Kuenzle, George Poolman
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Andy J
Roar Rookie
You do realise that the aus only comp draws a pittance in revenue and is unsustainable
James584
Roar Rookie
I’ll post whatever I want to on this opinion site. This competition is bad, it’s boring and predictable. Look at the Australian ratings and compare Aus v Aus games and the rest. It’s not sustainable and it is damaging the game in this country. I went to Suncorp on Friday night. The game wasn’t even of a great standard but it was competitive and exciting and the 57,000 crowd was buzzing. This SR is bat$hit boring by comparison. Under strength teams, constant mismatches and predictable results. Except for the local games, which are much more likely to be good and have some real atmosphere.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
“Waste of time game in a waste of time competition.” You know you don’t have to watch, and you certainly don’t need to comment, eh? At least if you want to comment and ‘be heard’, come with something positive. On the occasions you have done that, you have had some really insightful and thought out ideas. You do yourself a disservice with all the other comments and challenges to ‘say it to my face :angry: ‘
Loosey
Roar Rookie
No, they just have incredible depth. 6 ABs rested and the side is still impressive.
FrancisF
Roar Pro
Blues had a walk in the park.
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
I watched them and a feature of their game, and most kiwi teams, is to take a step forward at the edge of the ruck to impede quick ball and service. I really wish the rule was changed to put the emphasis on defensive players having to get out of the way rather than the attacker avoid them.
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
Sad but true. Tries hard for sure.
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
Kuenzl could be a good 12 but what about the English fella Spink at 12, crashing it up. Straight away gives a new option. Looks like he's not shy of confrontation.
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
Thanks John. Would add that i'm a big fan of the Force in those traditional West Australian colours. Should be worn every game against the Blues and also the Tahs for starters.
andrewM
Roar Rookie
Is that you Cammo? I think you meant to say 'Myopic Australian Rugby fanatic'?
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Pirassie?
Andy J
Roar Rookie
They didn’t show them much respect at the selection table though
piru
Roar Rookie
Thanks mate
piru
Roar Rookie
Wells is one who isn't good enough atm
RayinSydney
Roar Rookie
Waste of time competition?, same competition that produced a win for the Drua over the Crusaders? The only thing to come out of the Reds v Rebels was an Australian team won, if you put two teams of middling ability out against each other then you should get a good game, but what happens when they come up against good teams?, they generally lose. Australian teams need to step up or it’ll keep happening season after season.
John Ferguson
Expert
Thanks for joining me for another love blog hopefully see you all and more next week! That's all from me, cheers.
Loosey
Roar Rookie
The Force prevented the Blues from getting a BP. That's a win. :silly:
TC
Roar Rookie
Maybe he doesn't get paid for Sunday OT :laughing:
Loosey
Roar Rookie
Wells can't just keep saying that. Focus on the positives and build.
Loosey
Roar Rookie
It's actually interesting watching the Force evolve. The scoreline is not as bad as it could have been, in fact the Blues showed them some respect by kicking the ball out at the end.