The Blues have been boosted by the shock return of their skipper for the Super Rugby final against the Chiefs in Auckland on Saturday (5.05pm AEST)

Patrick Tuipulotu is back in the starting XV for the sold out showdown at Eden Park, two weeks after suffering a tear to his medial ligament in his right knee. It was thought at the time that he might miss seven weeks, including the opening Tests against England.

There was no suck fortune for Chiefs hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho, who suffered an Achilles injury in the semis. The Chiefs will go with a season debutant in the No.2 jersey for the biggest game of the year.

How long he can last is open to speculation but coach Vern Cotter said the decision to play Tuipulotu was made with careful medical consideration after he came through training on Tuesday.

“Patty’s a Blues man through and through and came to us this week pretty keen to play in a Grand Final,” said Cotter.

“He tested the knee on Monday in the gym, then on the grass yesterday. He’s pulled up well and has the all-clear from our medical team – he’s a welcome addition to our pack, our talisman, lock and leader,” he said.

Blues Team Doctor James McGarvey said he’s been guided by Tuipulotu on his return.

“Patty felt good on Monday and with strapping found he was able do everything rugby related with minimal symptoms. Given it’s a final, he decided to try to work through the week and play,” said McGarvey.

Josh Beehre makes way for Tuipulotu and Bryce Heem returning from his calf injury to take a spot on the bench.

“There’s a deep desire in this group to go the whole way but to do that we need to be clear in our thinking, disciplined and not let the occasion get the better of us,” said Cotter. 

“The Chiefs will be coming to spoil the party, we’ve got a sold out Eden Park that we hope will be awash in blue, this will be a great occasion and I can feel the excitement building in the group.” 

The Chiefs have issues in their pack due to injuries to their two main hookers.

Tyrone Thompson, in his first start of the season, shifts into the starting hooker position following last weekend’s injury to Taukei’aho and Manaaki Selby-Rickit comes onto the bench, replacing Naitoa Ah Kuoi.

The return of Shaun Stevenson sees Daniel Rona shifted to the reserves to provide impact for the backs.

“It’s unfortunate to have lost some key players through injury, but no team has been immune to this, and you won’t see us worrying about something we can’t control,”said coach Clayton McMillan.

“We are genuinely excited for the players who now get their opportunity. In Tyrone Thompson and Manaaki Selby-Rickit, we have two quality players who will serve the team extremely well.”

“The team are embracing finals week and look forward to what will be a massive occasion for rugby.

“The Blues have impressed with how they have gone about their work, establishing a harder edge under Vern whilst maintaining their ability to hurt you through their explosive backs. I can’t see them wavering from their willingness to kick long, pressure the ball and go to war through the middle of the park, so we at least know what’s coming our way.”

BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sam Darry, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Stephen Perofeta

RESERVES: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Bryce Heem, Cole Forbes

CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Tyrone Thompson, George Dyer, Jimmy Tupou, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson

RESERVES: Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Simon Parker, Xavier Roe, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona

Referee: Nic Berry

Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Damon Murphy.