Lone Wulf: Rudi Wulf returns in time to claim his 50th cap

Blues coach Pat Lam welcomes back a couple of players from the squad’s lengthy injured list to the starting 22 this week.

Fullback Rudi Wulf returns to the side after being laid off for a month with a shoulder injury. Saturday night’s match is a special one for Wulf who will be running out for his 50th Super Rugby game for the Blues in his home union at North Harbour Stadium.

Another returning back is Rene Ranger who sustained a rib injury last month and will start on the left wing.

Rookie hooker James Parson gets the nod to start this match after solid performances in recent weeks and Francis Saili retains the starting centre slot for the second week in a row.

Super Rugby Round 15
Blues v Chiefs
Saturday, 2nd June 2012 at North Harbour Stadium
Kick-off: 7.35pm

Starting XV:
15. Rudi Wulf (*50th game for Blues), 14. Lachie Munro, 13. Francis Saili (WTG), 12. Ma’a Nonu, 11. Rene Ranger, 10. Michael Hobbs, 9. Alby Mathewson, 1. Tony Woodcock, 2. James Parsons (WTG), 3. Tevita Mailau, 4. Liaki Moli, 5. Ali Williams, 6. Steven Luatua (WTG), 7. Daniel Braid, 8. Luke Braid ©

Replacements:
16. Tom McCartney, 17. Angus Ta’avao, 18. Filo Paulo, 19. Peter Saili, 20. Piri Weepu, 21. Hadleigh Parkes, 22. David Raikuna