22‑year‑old first five‑eighth Bryn Gatland who is in his first season as a fully contracted player with Tana Umaga's Blues squad, carries a significant responsibility into the start of Super Rugby for New Zealand's great under‑achievers.
With Otere Black out long‑term while he recovers from knee surgery and Stephen Perofeta likely to miss at least the first month with a broken hand, Gatland has received the proverbial inside channel to the No 10 spot.
He is also exceedingly realistic about what's needed from him, with outside new skipper Augustine Pulu and an inside backline that has all sorts of firepower headed by Sonny Bill Williams, Rieko Ioane, George Moala and Matt Duffie.
The Blues will face the Highlanders at 6.35pm Friday while the Reds will take on the Rebels at 8.45pm.
On Saturday, the Sunwolves take on the Brumbies at 4.15pm, then at 6.35pm the defending champions, the Crusaders play the Chiefs while the Waratahs will host the Stormers at 8.45pm.
On Sunday, the Lions play the Jaguares at 1.05am while the Bulls take on the Hurricanes at 3.15am.
Source: Stuff.co
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