The Blues have had a major boost ahead of Saturday's Super Rugby clash against the Hurricanes with Sonny Bill Williams returning to the side.
Williams hasn't played since suffering a wrist injury in the round five defeat to the Stormers.
He joins fellow All Black Ofa Tu-ungafasi in the starting lineup after the prop missed the last three weeks of action.
The other player to return off the injury list is outside back Melani Nanai who is listed in the reserves.
Williams inclusion has moved All Black Rieko Ioane to the right wing.
Rookie Caleb Clarke will make his second start on the left wing with Matt Duffie retained at fullback.
The Blues will host the Hurricanes at 7.35pm Friday.
The team is:
15. Matt Duffie, 14. Rieko Ioane, 13. Orbyn Leger, 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 11. Caleb Clarke, 10. Stephen Perofeta, 9. Augustine Pulu ©; 8. Akira Ioane, 7. Dalton Papalii, 6. Jerome Kaino, 5. Gerard Cowley‑Tuioti, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu, 3. Ofa Tuungafasi, 2. James Parsons, 1. Ross Wright.
Reserves: 16. Matt Moulds, 17. Pauliasi Manu, 18. Sione Mafileo, 19. Ben Nee‑Nee or Lyndon Dunshea, 20. Kara Pryor, 21. Jonathan Ruru or Sam Nock, 22. Dan Kirkpatrick, 23 Melani Nanai.
Source: Stuff.co
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