Code-hopper Benji Marshall has been chosen to make his Super Rugby debut off the bench for the Blues in their opening match against the Highlanders.
Chris Noakes, who has recovered from a serious neck injury, has been preferred at five eighth to the former West Tigers playmaker in the starting line-up for Saturday's match in Dunedin.
Marshall started in the Blues' recent trial matches but showed he still had plenty to learn about the 15-man game, especially in such a key position, and he seems better suited as an impact player late in the match.
He gets a chance on the bench with the Blues' other five-eighth contender Baden Kerr to miss the first two matches of the season with a cracked bone in his thumb.
All Black Charles Piutau has recovered from a knee injury to take his place at fullback and will be joined in the starting XV by fellow end-of-year tourists Charlie Faumuina and Steven Luatua.
Veteran All Blacks Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock are being rested.
Luke Braid will lead the side.
Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Jackson Willison, Francis Saili, George Moala, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid (capt), Steven Luatua, Tom Donnelly, Liaki Moli, Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons, Ofa Tu'ungafasi. Reserves: Tom McCartney, Sam Prattley, Angus Ta'avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Brendan O'Connor, Bryn Hall, Benji Marshall, Tevita Li.
