LIVE: Blues chasing bonus point win in tense finals race

BLUES vs CHIEFS in Auckland, Saturday 5.05pm kickoff AEST

The Blues have been forced into a major backline reshuffle after centre Rieko Ioane (hand) and halfback Taufa Funaki (hamstring) were late scratchings.

Finlay Christie has been elevated to start at halfback and Sam Nock comes onto the bench.

Stephen Perofeta will now start at five-eighth, Harry Plummer moves to No.12, AJ Lam to centre and Cole Forbes is elevated to starting fullback with Caleb Tangitau coming onto the bench.

The Blues lost to the Crusaders last week.

“Our performance wasn’t good enough last week, we know that, we’ve talked about it and we aim to improve it against the Chiefs,” Blues coach Vern Cotter said.

“This game is crucial in determining the playoff standings – this game has the potential for real fireworks.”

BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sam Darry, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, AJ Lam, Mark Telea, Cole Forbes

Reserves: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, Angus Ta’avao, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Caleb Tangitau

CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Bradley Slater, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Jimmy Tupou, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson

RESERVES: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris, Sione Ahio, Simon Parker, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Quinn Tupaea, Peniasi Malimali

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe