Sotutu returns, Hodgman out

Hoskins Sotutu, the son of former Fijian vice-captain Waisake Sotutu will make his return for the Blues against the Melbourne Rebels in round 12 of the Super Rugby Pacific tomorrow.

 

Sotutu, who has been a consistent performer for the Blues will start at Number 8 replacing Anton Segner while Rieko Ioane takes on Bryce Heem's role at centre.

 

Up front, Manu Samoa international Jordan Lay takes the place of All Blacks and former Fiji under 20 loose head prop Alex Hodgman, while Mark Telea comes back into the starting team at right wing.

 

Star first-five Beauden Barrett won’t feature for the side as he has been rested for the All Blacks while young playmaker Stephen Perofeta replaces him.

 

AJ Lam, Darry and Heem all drop to the bench where they are joined by fellow newbies Soane Vikena, Nepo Laulala and Sam Nock.

 

The Blues vs Melbourne Rebels will kick off at 5.05pm at Eden Park on Friday.

 

Blues: Jordan Lay, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, James Tucker, Tom Robinson, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Zarn Sullivan

 

Reserves: Soane Vikena, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Nepo Laulala, Sam Darry, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam

 

By Romeka Romena