Official team lists and injury news for the Super Rugby Pacific final.
Blues v Crusaders
7:05pm Saturday, June 18
Eden Park, Auckland
The Blues have stuck with the same starting XV that beat the Brumbies in their semi-final last weekend, with one potentially game-changing addition on the bench.
Captain Dalton Papalii has been bracketed for a timely return for Saturday's showpiece final.
The All Blacks flanker hasn't played since the final regular season match against the Waratahs on May 28, after being struck down with appendicitis, but in a huge boost for the hosts, Papalii has a chance to prove his fitness this week, before a decision is made on his status.
"Dalts has got a few boxes to tick," said coach Leon MacDonald. "He's got to get through a big part of today's training and feel really confident.
"It's a big game for him to have any doubts, so we want him to come off the grass feeling like he’s ready to go.
"Speaking to him, he’s pretty confident, but that's Dalts - he's always like that and full of energy. Fingers crossed he gets through today well."
Bryce Heem also reclaims a spot on the bench, after missing the semi-final with injury.
"This is set for a great occasion and is an opportunity to seal an excellent season in front of a full house at Eden Park," said MacDonald. "We know what is at stake and we have prepared well.
"That said, it is another game, and we need to buckle down, do the basics right, provide good front-foot ball for our backs and focus on doing the basics right with discipline, both with and without the ball."
Blues: 1-Alex Hodgman, 2-Kurt Eklund 3-Nepo Laulala, 4-Josh Goodhue, 5-Tom Robinson, 6-Akira Ioane, 7-Adrian Choat, 8-Hoskins Sotutu, 9-Finlay Christie, 10-Beauden Barrett, 11-AJ Lam, 12-Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 13-Rieko Ioane, 14-Mark Telea, 15-Stephen Perofeta
Reserves: 16-Soane Vikena, 17-Karl Tu'inukuafe, 18-Ofa Tuungafasi, 19-Luke Romano, 20-James Tucker/Dalton Papalii, 21-Sam Nock, 22-Bryce Heem, 23-Zarn Sullivan
Meanwhile, the Crusaders will be emboldened by a return of one of their own veteran leaders, with Sam Whitelock cleared to take his place in the starting second row.
The All Blacks lock was a late scratch for the semi-final against the Chiefs, due to a thumb injury, but will pack down in his regular spot alongside Scott Barrett in the only change to last weekend's starting side.
Hooker Codie Taylor has also been cleared of his hamstring injury, while David Havili has recovered from his head knock.
Crusaders: 1-George Bower, 2-Codie Taylor, 3-Oli Jager, 4-Scott Barrett (c), 5-Sam Whitelock, 6-Pablo Matera, 7-Tom Christie, 8-Cullen Grace, 9-Bryn Hall, 10-Richie Mo'unga, 11-Leicester Fainga'anuku, 12-David Havili, 13-Jack Goodhue, 14-Sevu Reece, 15-Will Jordan
Reserves: 16-Brodie McAlister, 17-Tamaiti Williams, 18-Fletcher Newell, 19-Quinten Strange, 20-Corey Kellow, 21-Mitch Drummond, 22-Braydon Ennor, 23-George Bridge
Join us at 7pm Saturday for live updates of the Blues v Crusaders Super Rugby Pacific final
