The Blues are bolstered by the return of captain Patrick Tuipulotu for their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Highlanders at Eden Park tonight.
Tuipulotu will make his first appearance of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season after recovering from an off-season shoulder surgery.
His return headlines a trio of key additions, with loose forwards Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu also named to start after overcoming back and knee injuries respectively.
Head coach Vern Cotter says the experience and leadership returning to the group comes at a crucial point in the season.
He says having Tuipulotu back is massive for them as he is a leader who sets standards on and off the field.
Cotter adds that Papali’i and Sotutu have both worked hard through their rehab and also bring experience and leadership back to the group.
The front row sees Mason Tupaea promoted to start at loosehead prop, with Ofa Tu’ungafasi unavailable following a head knock against the Hurricanes.
In the backline, Codemeru Vai shifts to the left wing opposite Cole Forbes, with Caleb Clarke sidelined due to a calf strain.
There is a potential debut off the bench for prop Ben Ake, who has been named among the reserves for the first time.
It will be an extra special night for three players, with Beauden Barrett and Zarn Sullivan set to play their 50th game for the Blues, while Finlay Christie will also run out in his 100th combined Super Rugby game.
The Blues will face the Highlanders at 7.05pm tonight.
In other matches, Moana Pasifika will meet the NSW Waratahs at 9.35pm tonight, the Chiefs will host the Hurricanes at 7.05pm tomorrow, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will play the Brumbies at 9.35pm tomorrow, and the Force will meet the Crusaders at 11.55pm tomorrow.
