Two weeks after he was ruled out for the rest of the Super Rugby season, and with his availability for next month’s three Tests in severe doubt, Blues skipper Patrick Tuipulotu has been named to start in Saturday’s grand final against the Chiefs.
In what is an extraordinary comeback from a medial ligament tear in his right knee, Tuipulotu was yesterday given the all-clear to take part in the competition showpiece at Eden Park.
The big lock’s leadership may be crucial at the start of what is likely to be a high-intensity contest and a re-run of the final-round match won 31-17 by the Blues three weeks ago.
Providing Tuipulotu comes through the match unscathed – and he is likely to play only a little more than one half at the most – he will presumably come into the frame for the first All Blacks Test against England in Dunedin on July 6.
Scott Robertson’s first national squad since replacing Ian Foster will be named on Monday and Tuipulotu appears increasingly likely to be named in it. With Scott Barrett having not played for several weeks due to a back problem and the Crusaders' failure to make the playoffs, the news of Tuipulotu's return will be music to Robertson's ears.
Blues head coach Vern Cotter said the decision to play Tuipulotu in what is a sold-out match was not made lightly.
“Patty’s a Blues man through and through and came to us this week pretty keen to play in a grand final,” said Cotter.
“He tested the knee on Monday in the gym, then on the grass yesterday. He’s pulled up well and has the all-clear from our medical team – he’s a welcome addition to our pack, our talisman lock and leader,” he said.
Blues doctor James McGarvey said: “Patty felt good on Monday and with strapping found he was able do everything rugby related with minimal symptoms. Given it’s a final, he decided to try to work through the week and play.”
Tuipulotu’s surprise return is reminiscent of Sam Whitelock’s for the Crusaders last year.
In that case, Whitelock was a big doubt to play the Chiefs in the final in Hamilton due to an Achilles injury but was determined to play his last match for his franchise before a move to France and did so in a triumphant send-off.
The Blues, who beat the Drua and Brumbies to make the grand final, are favourites to win their first significant title since 2003. The Chiefs beat the Reds and Hurricanes in their playoff matches.
For the Chiefs, hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho has predictably been ruled out due to his Achilles injury suffered against the Hurricanes, with Tyrone Thompson named to start.
Bradley Slater, who injured a leg at Sky Stadium and then went off for a head injury assessment, which he failed, has been deemed fit enough to return to the reserves bench.
Fullback Shaun Stevenson, a late withdrawal in Wellington due to a hamstring injury, has been named to start, with Etene Nanai-Seturo returning to the left wing.
Blues team to play the Chiefs in the Super Rugby final at Eden Park on Saturday, kick-off 7.05pm is: 1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2. Ricky Riccitelli, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Sam Darry, 6. Akira Ioane, 7. Dalton Papali’i. 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Finlay Christie, 10. Harry Plummer, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. AJ Lam, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Mark Tele’a, 15. Stephen Perofeta. Reserves: 16. Kurt Eklund, 17. Joshua Fusitu’a, 18. Angus Ta’avao, 19. Josh Beehre, 20. Adrian Choat, 21. Taufa Funaki, 22. Bryce Heem, 23. Cole Forbes.
Chiefs: 15. Shaun Stevenson, 14. Emoni Narawa, 13. Anton Lienert-Brown, 12. Rameka Poihipi, 11. Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10. Damian McKenzie, 9. Cortez Ratima, 8. Wallace Sititi, 7. Luke Jacobson (c), 6. Samipeni Finau, 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 4. Jimmy Tupou, 3. George Dyer, 2. Tyrone Thompson, 1. Aidan Ross. Reserves: 16. Bradley Slater, 17. Jared Proffit, 18. Reuben O’Neill, 19. Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 20. Simon Parker, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Quinn Tupaea, 23. Daniel Rona.
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