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The Blues will stage their final pre-season match next month as a free community game.

They take on the Chiefs on Friday 17 February at the Suburbs Rugby Club in West Auckland at 5.30pm.

The match, sponsored by Westie Pies, is the final match before they kick-off the Investec Super Rugby Championships against the Rebels on February 23 in Melbourne.

“We are pleased to be associated with the Blues again and delighted to support this pre-season match,” said Stefan Crooks, owner of Westie Pies.

“As a company we are about working in and supporting our community. We believe in investing in our community because it is the right thing to do, and so to help with this game which is free for the community to watch is fantastic.”

The game will be an important one for both teams, with the All Blacks expected to be available to play.

“Pre-season is about trying out things, giving all players an opportunity without concerning yourself too much with the result,” said Blues coach Tana Umaga.

“But the final pre-season has more format to it and will be full-on for sure as it always is when we play the Chiefs. It is an ideal chance to test our systems ahead of the season-proper.

“And as a group we are really pleased to be able to do this out in the community with a free game.”

The match follows the Blues Big Day Out which is a free community event in association with BNZ. Starting at midday there will be music, food and giveaways followed by the pre-season game against the Hurricanes, sponsored by Westie Pies. Blues Big Day Out will be held at the Blues training ground at Alexandra Park on Saturday 4 February.