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Zarn Sullivan starts, captain's brother could debut in Blues team with a twist

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - JANUARY 31: Zarn Sullivan of the Blues looks on during the Super Rugby trial match between Crusaders and Blues at Kirwee Rugby Club on January 31, 2025 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)

A couple of new faces headline the Blues’ team naming for their grudge match with the Crusaders in Christchurch.

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Zarn Sullivan has been named at fullback for the contest, pushing Corey Evans to the wing after starting at 15 over recent weeks. Evans’ shift helps cover Caleb Clarke’s absence due to a thigh injury.

There’s also a potential debut for Hamdahn Tuipolotu, brother of Blues captain Patrick, who has been selected in the No. 18 jersey.

Blues coach Vern Cotter hasn’t stopped there with his changes though, also opting for a 6/2 bench split for the match.

That choice sees both Adrian Choat and utility forward Cameron Suafoa make the bench unit, while Harry Plummer offers plenty of versatility in the No. 23 jersey.

“We have improved each week, but we know we still have plenty of space to get better,” head coach Vern Cotter said.

“The group is challenging each other to improve every day, every session and every game.  A strong team performance against a confident Crusaders team will be key on Friday night.”

Blues team to face the Crusaders

1. Joshua Fusitu’a (29)
2. Ricky Riccitelli (43)
3. Angus Ta’avao (74)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (capt) (116)
5. Josh Beehre (19)
6. Anton Segner (30)
7. Dalton Papali’i (90)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (71)
9. Finlay Christie (62)
10. Beauden Barrett (36)
11. Mark Tele’a (75)
12. AJ Lam (50)
13. Rieko Ioane (120)
14. Cole Forbes (22)
15. Zarn Sullivan (38)

Reserves

16. Kurt Eklund (67)
17. Mason Tupaea (3)
18. Hamdahn Tuipolotu (debut)
19. Laghlan McWhannell (15)
20. Cameron Suafoa (30)
21. Adrian Choat (48)
22. Taufa Funaki (29)
23. Harry Plummer (82)

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JW 39 minutes ago
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Agree re Lynagh.


Disagree Beaver got it wrong. Blues made that look easy. It might be a brawn over brains picture though? More in the last point, but, and this may have changed by player selection, the Reds were very lucky this game. Tele’a should not have been red carded as Ryan landed on his shoulder, and both Tate and Jock (was it) should have been yellowed carded for their offenses in stopping tries. We also had a try dissallowed by going back 10 phases in play. We all should have learned after the RWC that that is against the rules. So straight away on this simple decisions alone the result changes to go in the Blues favour, away from home and playing fairly poorly. The sleeping giant if you will. I didn’t agree with the Blues take either tbh, but to flip it around and say it’s the Reds instead is completely inaccurate (though a good side no doubt you have to give them a chance).


And you’re also riding the wave of defense wins matches a bit much. Aside from Dre’s tackling on Rieko I didn’t see anything in that match other than a bit of tiny goal line defending. I think if you role on the tap for another second you see the ball put placed for the try (not that I jump to agree with Eklund purely because he was adamant), and in general those just get scored more often than not. They are doing something good though stopping line breaks even if it is the Blues (and who also got over the line half a dozen times), I did not expect to be greeted with that stat looking at the game.

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