Blues vs Yokohama Canon Eagles this weekend for the first time as the squad gets ready for their second pre-season game in Japan on Saturday, February 10 at 4:10 p.m. (NZT) at Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium in Tokyo.
Vern Cotter, the head coach of the Blues, also stated that Dalton Papali’i will temporarily take over as captain while regular skipper Patrick Tuipulotu heals from a broken jaw.
In order to prepare for the DHL Super Rugby Pacific season, the club starts numerous players in new positions, including a revamped front row, and welcomes back Caleb Clarke on the left wing.
Read More: Super Rugby Pacific 2024
Assemble Ben Ake, who joined the tour group this week, will spend Saturday sitting on an extended bench.
Blues vs Yokohama Canon Eagles Match details
Event: Blues vs Yokohama Canon Eagles
Date: 10th February, Saturday
Time: 4:10pm
TV: Sky Sport 1
Blues v Yokohama Canon Eagles
With a new look up front, Caleb Clarke is set to start the Super Rugby season against the Blues vs Eagles in Yokohama as the squad continues to get ready for the DHL Super Rugby Pacific season.
Every Black person on a mission Arriving one week early, Caleb Clarke joins a Blues team that is honing its leadership approach in preparation for Super Rugby Pacific, which begins in two weeks.
The fact that Clarke, who was cut from the All Blacks starting lineup in 2023, decided to play on the left wing in the Blues’ second preseason game against the Blues vs Yokohama Canon in Japan on Saturday instead of taking advantage of the final week of official inactivity for national squad members speaks volumes about his mentality.
Cotter stated that the leadership group had an excellent discussion about Sam leading this weekend due to Dalton’s absence, and then Dalton taking over as team captain and leader until Paddy returns.
We have stated from the beginning that the team as a whole needs leaders. He remarked that Sam was an obvious option for this weekend since he is competent, well-organized, and has good public speaking skills.
The Blues announced that Papali’i will take over as team captain while Patrick Tuipulotu heals from his fractured jaw sustained in the Sungoliath’s triumph last week in Tokyo.
It’s important to balance our workload because we have a short turnaround before facing the Chiefs at Onewa Domain in Auckland on Friday for our last preseason game. It also helps to provide opportunities for players.