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In all, there are seven All Blacks in the starting line-up for the Blues. But it’s the selection of the 27-year-old Lay, who previously played under former Blues coach Pat Lam, that has raised the most eyebrows. Getty-Images Leon MacDonald is looking for Karl Tu’inukuafe to make a big impact off the bench against the Hurricanes. “James has performed well for us in the preseason and Karl is going well and he’s got unique strength, especially around scrummaging,” MacDonald said. “It’s around balancing our team to give us an all round 80 minute performance that in this game in ...

The Blues have sprung somewhat of a surprise with two of their All Blacks props to come off the bench in the season opener

The Blues coach has plenty of All Blacks grunt to choose from in his front row, but has sprung a surprise against the Hurricanes on Saturday night.

Perenara has his faults, and constantly chirping the refs didn’t reflect well, but his decision-making and willingness to work like a huntaway dog on a high country station was so important for the Canes. And now he’s gone. Robert van Royen: TJ Perenara’s somewhat erratic passing won’t be missed, but the ‘Canes will dearly miss the yappy Perenara’s energy and leadership, and his ability to push out to first five-eighth in the second half, as he did so often last season. Marc Hinton: Perenara without a doubt. Barrett is a more influential player, but the Blues cover pretty well fo...

No established All Blacks were involved during either of the three games, but the Hurricanes did have the services of Peter Umaga-Jensen and Du’Plessis Kirifi, who were part of the Rugby Championship squad. Each team rotated their squad heavily throughout their two 40 minute matches, with numerous uncontracted players getting the experience at a higher level, including Samipeni Finau who bagged one of the Chiefs’ three tries against the Hurricanes. Mark Tantrum/Getty Images Chiefs winger Shaun Stevenson dives over the tryline to score against the Blues. Although the Chiefs won both of ...