Star Metro - Cotter demands '80-minute performance' from stuttering Blues

The All Blacks-laden side have stumbled to defeats against the Waikato Chiefs and Otago Highlanders to open their campaign and will look to stop the rot in a tough clash with the Wellington Hurricanes.

Despite the losses Cotter has made just one change to his starting side with young lock Josh Beehre replacing the injured Laghlan McWhannell.

That included keeping faith with New Zealand wing Caleb Clarke, who admitted to dangerous driving charges this week.

"We have had two good starts against the Chiefs and the Highlanders but we need to put good things on good things for an entire 80 minutes," said Cotter.

"There was an improved attitude and performance, and we need to continue to work hard every day and continue to show those improvements on the field for 80 minutes."

Cotter is expecting another physical battle against the Hurricanes, who edged Fijian Drua last week after losing their opener against the Canterbury Crusaders.

"They were typically aggressive when we played them in pre-season and I am looking for further improvement in our set phase and collisions to match them," he said.

Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw is not reading too much into the Blues' back-to-back losses.

"They're laden with good players, they're clear on their identity and how they want to play the game," he said.

"It's a big task for us.

"Both teams are exciting so I'm sure there will be a few points scored on Saturday night."

Laidlaw named Kade Banks to make his debut at fullback, having previously worn the Blues jersey in 2024.

"He's had a really strong pre-season and deserves this opportunity to debut," he said of the 24-year-old.

A.Desjardins--SMC