logo
Blues vs Moana Pasifika: Tuipulotu brothers face off in playoff-defining derby

Blues vs Moana Pasifika: Tuipulotu brothers face off in playoff-defining derby

NZ Herald16-05-2025

As he glances across the Auckland rugby pond and prepares to clash with his younger brother in the Super Rugby Pacific match of the weekend, Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu admires the cultural imprint Moana Pasifika are making.
On and off the field, are generating a following by establishing a sense of identity and cultivating credibility through vastly improved competitiveness.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Super Rugby Pacific: teams named for semi-finals
Super Rugby Pacific: teams named for semi-finals

RNZ News

time3 hours ago

  • RNZ News

Super Rugby Pacific: teams named for semi-finals

After an improbable run to the semi-finals, the Blues carry in much-needed momentum into Friday night's big clash with the Crusaders. They've only made one change to the side that beat the Chiefs but it's an interesting one, with Zarn Sullivan coming in at fullback. That suggests coach Vern Cotter is anticipating a bit of kicking, with Sullivan's boot perhaps the biggest in the country right now. Meanwhile, it's an unchanged Crusaders team that will meet them at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch. There's a slight reshuffle in the loosies for the Chiefs in their side to take on the Brumbies on Saturday night in Hamilton. Wallace Sititi has been named to start at number eight, with Luke Jacobson returning at openside and Samipeni Finau on the blindside. Simon Parker picked up an ankle strain in the loss to the Blues and drops out of the squad, with Jimmy Tupou and Kaylum Boshier on the bench. Quinn Tupaea returns to starts at second five as well. Crusaders v Blues Kick-off: 7:05pm Friday 13 June Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch Live blog updates on RNZ Crusaders: 1. George Bower, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Antonio Shalfoon, 6. Ethan Blackadder, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Sevu Reece, 12. David Havili, 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Chay Fihaki, 15. Will Jordan Bench: 16. George Bell, 17. Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Jamie Hannah, 20. Cullen Grace, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. James O'Connor, 23. Dallas McLeod Blues: 1. Joshua Fusitu'a, 2. Ricky Riccitelli, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Laghlan McWhannell, 6. Adrian Choat, 7. Dalton Papali'i, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Finlay Christie, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. AJ Lam, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Mark Tele'a, 15. Zarn Sullivan Bench: 16. Kurt Eklund, 17. Jordan Lay, 18. Angus Ta'avao, 19. Josh Beehre, 20. Anton Segner, 21. Sam Nock, 22. Harry Plummer, 23. Cole Forbes Zarn Sullivan of the Blues. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ Chiefs v Brumbies Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 14 June FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton Live blog updates on RNZ Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3. George Dyer, 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Luke Jacobson, 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Shaun Stevenson Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Jared Proffit, 18. Reuben O'Neill, 19. Jimmy Tupou, 20. Kaylum Boshier, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Gideon Wrampling

Caleb Clarke Re-Signs Through 2027
Caleb Clarke Re-Signs Through 2027

Scoop

time5 hours ago

  • Scoop

Caleb Clarke Re-Signs Through 2027

Press Release – Blues Rugby Dynamic winger Caleb Clarke has re-signed with the Blues, and New Zealand Rugby (NZR), through to the end of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season. A fan favourite since bursting onto the scene as a teenager, Clarke has become a key figure in the Blues backline with his explosive pace, powerful running and infectious energy both on and off the field. Since making his Super Rugby debut in 2018, the Auckland-born winger has grown into one of the game's most exciting talents. For Clarke, the decision to stay was driven by a deep connection to the club and its people. 'The Blues is home for me. I've grown up here, developed here, and achieved some amazing things with this team. I'm proud to represent our region and am excited about what's ahead,' Clarke said. 'We've got an exciting group of guys, awesome fans, and I'm looking forward to continue running out in blue.' Blues GM of Rugby Murray Williams welcomed the news of Clarke's recommitment. 'We're stoked to have Caleb locked in through 2027. He's been a big part of our journey over the last few years and continues to develop as a world class player,' he said. 'His energy is contagious, he's passionate about the Blues jersey, and he will be a huge part of our success moving forward.' NZR General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum added: 'Coming off the back of a strong 2024 season for both the Blues and All Blacks we are looking forward to Caleb's continued growth over the next two years in New Zealand.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store