BLUES (3) vs WARATAHS (6) in Auckland, Friday 5.35pm kickoff AEST
Waratahs coach Darren Coleman has reacted to the embarrassing Moana Pasifika defeat by making six changes to his starting team to tackle the Blues at Eden Park.
The incoming starters include Wallabies Dave Porecki, Jed Holloway, Langi Gleeson and Lalakai Foketi.
The departing Michael Hooper will again captain the side after Jake Gordon was confirmed out with concussion.
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"After disappointing and letting down our hometown supporters in the last regular season game of the year at home on Saturday, we have re-set and are excited by the challenge to redeem ourselves," Coleman said.
"We understand the enormity of the opposition on their home patch, but it's something we look forward to ripping into. We've had a good short week of prep and will play like a team with nothing to lose."
Meanwhile, the Blues welcome back Beauden Barrett but will be without injured All Blacks Caleb Clarke and Patrick Tuipulotu.
"You never want to face a team after a loss, they will be hurting and out to spoil our party at Eden Park," Blues coach Leon MacDonald said.
"We've seen when they put it together, they're a very dangerous outfit so we need to show up on Friday night prepared for a battle."
BLUES (15-1): Zarn Sullivan, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam, 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, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Stephen Perofeta
WARATAHS (15-1): Mark Nawaqanitawase, Izaia Perese, Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, Harrison Goddard, Langi Gleeson, Michael Hooper (c), Lachie Swinton, Ned Hanigan, Jed Holloway, Archer Holz, Dave Porecki, Te Tera Faulkner
Reserves: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Nephi Leatigaga, Taleni Seu, Charlie Gamble, Teddy Wilson, Tane Edmed, Harry Wilson (Eastwood)
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe
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CHIEFS (1) vs REDS (8) in Hamilton, Saturday 2.35pm kickoff AEST
CHIEFS (TBC)
REDS (TBC)
Referee: Angus Gardner
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CRUSADERS (2) vs DRUA (7) in Christchurch, Saturday 5.05pm kickoff AEST
CRUSADERS (TBC)
DRUA (TBC)
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
BRUMBIES (4) vs HURRICANES (5) in Canberra, Saturday 7.35pm kickoff AEST
BRUMBIES (TBC)
HURRICANES (TBC)
Referee: Nic Berry
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