Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu has shared his thoughts on the “surprise” omission of teammate and No 8 Hoskins Sotutu from the first All Blacks squad of 2024. ADVERTISEMENTThe try-scoring back rower topped the charts with 12 during the Blues title-winning Super Rugby Pacific campaign, proving to be one of the most valuable players in the competition. But after capturing their first Super Rugby title since 2003, the champion Blues registered just three forwards in Scott Robertson’s All Black squad. Tuipulotu revealed the passing of a close relative has also weighed on Sotutu in the wake of the Super Rugby Pacific title win. The cryptic post receieved support from other Blues teammates, Akira Ioane who commented “don’t send boys” and Ofa Tuungafasi who sent support.
