All Blacks bolster battling Blues

The Blues will welcome back All Blacks Ofa Tuungafasi and Matt Duffie for their week eight clash against the Chiefs.

Both missed last week’s loss against the Sharks with minor injuries.

Defence and discipline is a big focus for Blues head coach Tana Umaga this week, after they let in six tries and 63 points last weekend.

“We let ourselves down with our team defence. The boys all realise that and have come in this week with a determined attitude.  Last year we were developing into a strong team defensive unit and we must get back to that level.

“We also need to be more disciplined. You can’t give away kickable penalties like we did last week.

“We want to be solid and aggressive in our team defence and in the contact areas and show more patience with the ball. Our aim is to improve our performances every week from here in which is a challenge to the squad individually and collectively as a team.”

There is one change to Tana Umaga’s forward pack, with Northland loose forward Kara Pryor earning his first start of the season.

Halfback Jonathan Ruru earns his first start in the No. 9 jersey, with George Moala starting on the wing in place of the injured Melani Nanai.

TJ Faiane partners with Rieko Ioane in the midfield.

Duffie is bracketed on the wing with Jordan Hyland, and his place in the side will be decided after today’s final training session.

Among the reserves, Northland captain Matt Moulds takes his place in the No. 16 jersey as he returns from off-season surgery.

Former New Zealand Under 20 representative Dalton Papalii provides loose forward cover, and outside back Orbyn Leger joins former high school teammate Bryn Gatland on the bench.

The Blues were edged 21-26 by the Chiefs in their second-round clash earlier in the season.

BLUES

1. Pauliasi Manu, 2. James Parsons (C), 3. Ofa Tuungafasi, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu, 5. Josh Goodhue, 6. Jerome Kaino, 7. Kara Pryor, 8. Akira Ioane; 9. Jonathan Ruru, 10. Stephen Perofeta, 11. George Moala, 12. TJ Faiane, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Matt Duffie/Jordan Hyland,15. Michael Collins.

Reserves: 16. Matt Moulds, 17. Ross Wright, 18. Mike Tamoaieta, 19. Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 20. Dalton Papalii, 21. Sam Nock, 22. Bryn Gatland, 23. Orbyn Leger.