Injured Barrett returns at fullback as Blues make five changes for Hurricanes semi-final

Beauden Barrett will return from a quad injury to start at fullback for the Blues in their Super Rugby semi-final against the Hurricanes at Wellington’s Sky Stadium on Saturday, with head coach Vern Cotter naming five changes to the side beaten by the Crusaders last week.

The 144-Test veteran, 35, will wear the No.15 jersey for the first time in more than 12 months — and at a ground he once called home during his years with the Hurricanes. His return to fullback is partly shaped by the absence of Zarn Sullivan, who is ruled out with a foot injury, leaving Cotter with little option but to shift Barrett from the bench into the starting XV.

Stephen Perofeta keeps the fly-half jersey, having earned Cotter’s confidence across the three weeks Barrett was sidelined. Alongside him, Finlay Christie steps up to start at scrum-half after Sam Nock suffered a broken hand against the Crusaders, with Taufa Funaki added to the bench.

At No.8, Hoskins Sotutu replaces Malachi Wrampling, who is serving a three-game suspension following a red card last weekend and is also managing a concussion. The midfield has also been reshuffled: Xavi Taele moves to 12, AJ Lam shifts to centre, Cole Forbes comes in on the wing, and Pita Ahki drops to the bench.

The Blues enter the tie as heavy underdogs against a Hurricanes side that has been the competition’s most consistent team throughout the season and will have the advantage of a home crowd behind them.

Cotter acknowledged the scale of the task while backing his squad to rise to the occasion. “We know what’s waiting for us in Wellington and we’re excited about the challenge. Finals rugby is about embracing that and earning the right to keep your season alive,” he said.

“The Hurricanes have been the competition’s most consistent team and they will be tough to beat at home, but we’ve prepared well and are looking forward to the contest. This group has shown resilience all season. We’ve had plenty of injuries and challenges, but the players continue to stay in the fight.”