Sotutu to start for the Blues while Beauden Barrett to debut at fullback

Hoskins Sotutu will start for the Blues against the Hurricanes while Beauden Barrett will make his debut for the Blues from the fullback’s position.

Starting Barrett at fullback rather than first five-eighth would be something of a surprise move, given the Blues signed the All Blacks play-maker to fill their long-term void at No. 10.

Otere Black will start at first five-eight while Reiko Ioane will be on the wing.

Daniel Carter was not selected.

The 112-test All Black is still building up his fitness and contact readiness after a late start to preparations for Super Rugby Aotearoa, but is expected to enter the selection picture around round 3 or 4. 

Daniel Carter.

But even now he’s an influential figure in the group.

Meanwhile, Ardie Savea has been named on the bench for the Hurricanes together with Isaia Walker-Leawere.

Dane Coles, Ben Lam, Ngani Laumape, Vince Aso and TJ Perenara will start for the Hurricanes.

The Blues will take on the Hurricanes at 3.35pm Sunday while the Highlanders will face the Chiefs at 7.05pm tomorrow.

[Image: Blues Facebook Page]

Hurricanes: 1-Fraser Armstrong, 2-Dane Coles (cc), 3-Tyrel Lomax, 4-James Blackwell, 5-Scott Scrafton, 6-Reed Prinsep, 7-Du'Plessis Kirifi, 8-Gareth Evans, 9-TJ Perenara (cc), 10-Jackson Garden-Bachop, 11-Ben Lam, 12-Ngani Laumape, 13-Vince Aso, 14-Wes Goosen, 15-Chase Tiatia Reserves: 16-Asafo Aumua, 17-Tevita Mafileo, 18-Alex Fidow, 19-Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20-Vaea Fifita, 21-Ardie Savea, 22-Jamie Booth, 23-Billy Proctor.