Auckland Blues coach Vern Cotter believes his side can cause an upset against the Wellington Hurricanes on Saturday and reach the Super Rugby final, despite facing a difficult path in Wellington. The Blues have received a boost with the return of veteran All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett from injury, while Hoskins Sotutu comes back at number eight and Finlay Christie is selected at halfback. It will be the first playoff meeting between the two teams, adding extra significance to the semi-final clash.
Cotter said his team understands the challenge ahead and is embracing the pressure of finals rugby. He noted that the Hurricanes have been the competition’s most consistent side and will be strong at home, but said the Blues have prepared well and shown resilience throughout the season. The Blues enter the match as underdogs after a difficult run of form, having lost their last four Super Rugby games and reached the semi-finals only as the “lucky loser.” They won the title in 2024, but a defeat on Saturday would also end Cotter’s tenure, as he is set to move to the Queensland Reds next season.
The Hurricanes, who finished top of the regular season standings with only three losses in 14 matches, have home advantage and a strong recent record against the Blues. They have won the last two meetings between the teams by 23 points on both occasions. Clark Laidlaw’s side has named a mostly unchanged lineup, with Jordie Barrett in the midfield and Cam Roigard and Ruben Love continuing their halves partnership. Blindside flanker Brad Shields is set to reach a major milestone, moving past Dane Coles to become the third-most capped Hurricanes player when he plays his 142nd match for the club.
Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw said his team is excited to host the Blues and expects a fierce semi-final battle. He said the match features two of the four best teams in the competition and that his squad has prepared with the intensity required for a knockout contest. The winner will advance to the Super Rugby final on June 20, where they will face either the defending champion Canterbury Crusaders or the Waikato Chiefs.
