Keven Mealamu charges at Brumbies lock Sam Carter Steven Luatua (right) in support during the Blues and Brumbies Super Rugby match at Eden Park. Photo / Jason Oxenham
Keven Mealamu charges at Brumbies lock Sam Carter Steven Luatua (right) in support during the Blues and Brumbies Super Rugby match at Eden Park. Photo / Jason Oxenham
Keven Mealamu has spoken for the first time about playing his final game for the Blues, saying it will be an emotional occasion when he takes the field against the Highlanders on Friday.
Hooker Mealamu has been made captain for the match, despite the presence in the reserves of JamesParsons, who took the role following the injuries this season to Jerome Kaino and Steven Luatua.
It will be 36-year-old Mealamu's 175th Super Rugby match, with Parsons set to chalk up his 50th. Mealamu created history in his first game of the season - the loss to the Lions at North Harbour - when overtaking the previous record holder, Australian Nathan Sharpe, who played 162 matches.
"I've been blessed to have been able to play in Super Rugby for 15 years, and this is certainly not the end of my rugby quite yet. I will make a final decision on that at the end of the year," said Mealamu, who will remain in the All Black frame for the rest of the year.
"In some ways it will be emotional to share my final Super Rugby game on Friday with my teammates, my friends and especially my family.
"This has been a tough season for the Blues but we can go out on a good note knowing we have performed to our best.
"We have some players leaving as well and we have James who is reaching an important milestone, so we owe it to them and to ourselves to be the best we can be both individually and collectively on Friday."
Loose forward Brendon O'Connor and prop Angus Ta'avao will also be playing their final match for the Blues.
Parsons said he was honoured to pass on the captaincy to Mealamu, who had been an inspirational figure.
"He is a great man and a great player," Parsons said. "He has set the benchmark on and off the field and I have learned so much from him.
"For me to play 50 games for the Blues is a huge honour that I am very proud of. It's a special moment not only for me but my family and friends that have helped get me here."
The match is also significant for the return of fullback Charles Piutau, who has made a quick return from his knee injury.
The Blues team to play the Highlanders at Eden Park on Friday, kick-off 7.35pm is: Charles Piutau, Ben Lam, Hamish Northcott, George Moala, Melani Nanai, Ihaia West, Jamison Gibson-Park, Joe Edwards, Brendon O'Connor, Chris Vui, Josh Bekhuis, Hayden Triggs, Angus Ta'avao, Keven Mealamu (c), Sam Prattley. Reserves: James Parsons, Nic Mayhew, Sione Mafileo, Will Lloyd, Jack Ram, Jimmy Cowan, Matt McGahan, Lolagi Visinia.
