One of the Blues’ most electrifying players will be honoured at Eden Park on Saturday night, with the inaugural Joeli Vidiri Memorial Trophy to be contested between the Blues and the Fijian Drua.
Vidiri, a powerful and elusive winger, remains one of the most iconic figures in Blues history. Representing both Fiji, Counties Manukau Steelers and the Auckland-based franchise between 1996 and 2001, he scored 43 tries in 61 appearances, leaving a lasting impression with his speed, strength and flair.
Such was the love for Vidiri, Blues fans even interpolated an Eddy Grant reggae classic into a song titled Give Me Hope Joeli. The winger was widely respected for his humility off the field as much as his brilliance on it. The new trophy recognises his enduring impact on the game and the strong rugby ties between New Zealand and Fiji.
The commemorative clash adds extra significance to a Round 7 encounter, with the Blues returning home looking to build on recent momentum.
Head coach Vern Cotter has made a number of changes to his side, including a reshuffled forward pack and new leadership, with lock Sam Darry set to captain the team in the absence of Dalton Papali’i, who is sidelined with a back injury.
Marcel Renata moves into the starting front row at tighthead prop, while Anton Segner shifts to openside flanker and Torian Barnes comes into the run-on side at blindside.
In the backs, Taufa Funaki will start at halfback alongside Beauden Barrett, with Pita Ahki and AJ Lam forming the midfield combination. Cole Forbes comes onto the right wing, while Payton Spencer is set for his first start at fullback after debuting from the bench last week.
Cotter said the forced changes present an opportunity to build depth, while emphasising the challenge posed by the Drua.
“They’re a dangerous side when given space. They play with flair and confidence, so for us it’s about controlling the tempo and making good decisions under pressure,” he said.
The Blues will also be without Zarn Sullivan (concussion) and Hoskins Sotutu (knee), while loose forward Jed Melvin could make his Super Rugby debut from the bench.
Blues Team – Round 7 vs Fijian Drua
7.05pm (NZT), Saturday 28 March at Eden Park
1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (159)
2. Bradley Slater (3)
3. Marcel Renata (72)
4. Josh Beehre (33)
5. Sam Darry (c) (39)
6. Torian Barnes (5)
7. Anton Segner (44)
8. Malachi Wrampling (2)
9. Taufa Funaki (37)
10. Beauden Barrett (47)
11. Caleb Clarke (81)
12. Pita Ahki (19)
13. AJ Lam (64)
14. Cole Forbes (34)
15. Payton Spencer (1)
Reserves: 16. James Mullan (9), 17. Mason Tupaea (14), 18. Sam Matenga (4), 19. Che Clark (6), 20. Jed Melvin (debut), 21. Finlay Christie (74), 22. Xavi Taele (11), 23. Codemeru Vai (6)
Players not considered due to injury: Cameron Christie (knee, season), Corey Evans (ankle), Joshua Fusitu’a (bicep), Jordan Lay (concussion), Laghlan McWhannell (concussion), Sam Nock (concussion), Dalton Papali’i (back), Stephen Perofeta (calf), Hoskins Sotutu (knee), Zarn Sullivan (concussion), Patrick Tuipulotu (shoulder)
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