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The Blues have welcomed back powerful winger Caleb Clarke for Friday’s opening Super Rugby Pacific semi-final on Friday.
But the Crusaders will be without stalwart lock Sam Whitelock for the rematch of last year’s final.
The Chiefs and Brumbies will name their teams on Thursday.
Watch the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific finals on the home of rugby, Stan Sport. All matches streaming ad free, live and on demand
Champions flex muscle against Drua
CRUSADERS (2) vs BLUES (3) in Christchurch, Friday 5.05pm kickoff AEST
The defending champion Crusaders will continue to be without Sam Whitelock (Achilles) for the opening semi-final at Orangetheory Stadium on Friday.
The Crusaders are hopeful their departing All Blacks lock will be fit for the final, should they progress past the Blues.
“He’s sitting in meetings with his foot in an ice bucket and all sorts,” fellow Crusaders second rower Quinten Strange said.
“He’s doing everything, and I really hope, for his sake, we can get the job done and he gets the chance to wear the jersey one more time.”
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has named an unchanged starting side from the one that outclassed the Drua in the quarter-finals.
NEW PODCAST! Sean Maloney, Stephen Hoiles and Justin Harrison are backing the Brumbies against the Chiefs and reflect on the Waratahs and Reds bowing out of the Super Rugby Pacific finals
There are two changes on the bench, however, with forwards Ethan Blackadder and Zach Gallagher ruled out with injuries.
Their replacements are Dominic Gardiner and Corey Kellow.
Meanwhile, the Blues welcome back powerful winger Caleb Clarke from an ankle injury to their starting side as a replacement for AJ Lam.
“He brings a point of difference around the aerial game, if we contest in the air and from kickoffs,” Blues coach Leon MacDonald said.
“But it’s also his ability to beat the first defender and he’s pretty lethal close to the line as well, where he’s so powerful. It’s great to have him back.”
CRUSADERS (15-1): Will Jordan, Dallas McLeod, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Richie Mo’unga, Mitch Drummond, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Sione Havili-Talitui, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett (c), Oli Jager, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams
Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Reuben O’Neill, Dominic Gardiner, Corey Kellow, Willi Heinz, Fergus Burke, Chay Fihaki
BLUES (15-1): Zarn Sullivan, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane, Bryce Heem, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii (c), Akira Ioane, James Tucker, Tom Robinson, Nepo Laulala, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tuungafasi
Reserves: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Stephen Perofeta
Referee: Angus Gardner
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Debreczeni carves up Hurricanes
CHIEFS (1) vs BRUMBIES (4) in Hamilton, Saturday 5.05pm kickoff AEST
CHIEFS (TBC)
BRUMBIES (TBC)
Referee: Nic Berry
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