The Auckland Blues have named a largely unchanged side to play the Chiefs in what is their first home game of the Super Rugby season at Eden Park tomorrow.
All Black Patrick Tuipulotu will get his start at lock with Scott Scrafton with the experienced Jimmy Tupou back to full fitness to start at loose forward.
Jerome Kaino will come off the bench for his first game of the season after recovering from injury.
The changes in the backline will see TJ Faiane in place of Sonny Bill Williams, who has not recovered from a knee injury but is expected to join the squad that heads to South Africa at the weekend.
Also, Melani Nanai gets a start at fullback with Michael Collins to come off the bench.
The other change in the pack has the experienced Pauliasi Manu to start at loosehead prop with Alex Hodgman as a reserve.
The Blues will meet the Chiefs at 6.35pm tomorrow.
Blues: 1. Pauliasi Manu, 2. James Parsons, 3. Ofa Tuungafasi, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu, 5. Scott Scrafton, 6. Jimmy Tupou, 7. Murphy Taramai, 8. Akira Ioane; 9. Augustine Pulu ©, 10. Bryn Gatland, 11. Rieko Ioane, 12. TJ Faiane, 13. George Moala, 14. Matt Duffie,15. Melani Nanai.
Replacements: 16. Leni Apisai, 17. Alex Hodgman, 18. Michael Tamoaieta, 19. Gerard Cowley‑Tuioti, 20 Jerome Kaino, 21. Sam Nock, 22. Daniel Kirkpatrick, 23. Michael Collins.
Players not considered because of injury: Otere Black (knee), Blake Gibson (shoulder), Matt Moulds (knee), Dalton Papalii (hand), Stephen Perofeta (hand), Kara Pryor (ankle), Isaac Salmon (elbow), Sonny Bill Williams (knee), Sione Mafileo (knee).
Source: Superxv.com
