There is only one change in the backs with Scott Gregory starting at fullback in what will be his second game for the club. A versatile player who also plays on the wing, Gregory played fullback for Northland during the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup, however, had the COVID-19 pandemic not hit, he may well have been preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as a member of the All Blacks Sevens Squad. The postponement gives him a chance to further his experience in the fifteens game.
Gregory is excited by the opportunity, “it seems like a long time since my first game against the Rebels earlier in the year and I am really looking forward to getting out there, with the talent we have in our backs you have to take your opportunities when you can.”
In the only other change, Ngane Punivai returns from injury to take a spot on the bench.
Blues v Pulse Energy Highlanders – 7:05pm, Saturday 27 June, Eden Park, Auckland
1. Ayden Johnstone
2. Ash Dixon (C)
3. Siate Tokolahi
4. Paripari Parkinson
5. Josh Dickson
6. Shannon Frizell
7. Dillon Hunt
8. Marino Mikaele Tu’u
9. Aaron Smith
10. Mitch Hunt
11. Jona Nareki
12. Patelesio Tomkinson
13. Rob Thompson
14. Sam Gilbert
15. Scott Gregory
Reserves
16. Liam Coltman
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Jeff Thwaites
19. Manaaki Selby-Rickit
20. Teariki Ben-Nicholas
21. Kayne Hammington
22. Bryn Gatland
23. Ngane Punivai
Unavailable due to injury: Nathan Vella (concussion), Nehe Milner-Skudder (shoulder), Josh Ioane (leg)
Season ending injuries: Sione Misiloi (foot), Thomas Umaga-Jensen (shoulder), James Lentjes (ankle), Tevita Nabura (back), Connor Garden-Bachop (back)