Blues shuffle for Stormers

The Blues have named Charles Piutau at fullback for their clash with the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.

Following their 23-18 defeat against the Chiefs in Albany, Blues coach John Kirwan is still undecided on his starting XV and has bracketed several players as potential starters and/or reserves.

Piutau shifts from right wing to fullback in place of Lolagi Visinia, who will vie for the left wing position with Tevita Li. The halfback partnership between Ihaia West and Jimmy Cowan will continue to grow as both have been retained in the run-on side to face the Stormers.

Three flanks, Brendon O'Connor, Luke Braid and Akira Ioane have been bracketed for the No 7 jersey, with two to be omitted on match-day. 

The same applies for the three locks, Hayden Triggs, Patrick Tuipulotu and Josh Bekhuis and two tighthead props Angus Ta'avao and Charles Faumuina.

Meanwhile, centre George Moala, has been sent home after he aggravated the knee injury he picked up before the match against the Chiefs.

Blues – 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Ben Lam, 12 Hamish Northcott, 11 Francis Saili, 11 Tevita Li/Lolagi Visinia, 10 Ihaia West, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Jerome Kaino (8), 7 Brendon O'Connor/Luke Braid/Akira Ioane, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Hayden Triggs/Patrick Tuipulotu, 4 Josh Bekhuis/Tuipulotu, 3 Angus Ta'avao/Charles Faumuina, 2 James Parsons, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Subs: Matt Moulds, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Ta'avao/Faumuina, Tuipulottu/Triggs/Bekhuis, Braid/Ioane/O'Connor, Jamison Gibson-Park, Dan Bowden, Li/Visinia.

Photo: Lee Warren/Getty Images

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