The beleaguered Blues have lost captain Jerome Kaino to concussion in a major blow ahead of their Super Rugby game against the Hurricanes.
Kaino failed a concussion test the day after last weekend’s 13-10 loss to the Lions at Albany, resulting in an automatic stand-down for Friday’s game in Palmerston North.
It is a sizeable setback for the last-placed Blues, whose 0-4 win-loss record is their worst start to any campaign in the competition’s 20 years, heaping pressure this week on coach Sir John Kirwan.
Bruising All Blacks loose forward Kaino has started all four games and been arguably their best player.
He suffered the head knock during the loss to the Lions on Saturday but passed a concussion test during the game when he left the field in the 20th minute.
Kaino’s No.8 berth goes to Steven Luatua, who shifts from the blindside flank. Brendon O’Connor is introduced, with fellow flanker Luke Braid assuming the captaincy.
In two frontrow changes, All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock returns from a rest in place of Ofa Tu’ungafasi while James Parsons usurps Test veteran Keven Mealamu at hooker.
Halfback Jimmy Cowan is in doubt with a knee strain and has been bracketed with Jamison Gibson-Park.
A notable selection on the bench for the first time this season is utility back George Moala, who has recovered from a knee injury.
Moala is awaiting sentencing after a jury found him guilty of assault with intent to injure over an incident in Auckland in December 2012. He will be sentenced on May 1.
The Blues said Moala’s bail conditions allowed him to fulfil all obligations as a professional rugby player, including travel.
Blues: Lolagi Visinia, Frank Halai, Charles Piutau, Francis Saili, Melani Nanai, Ihaia West, Jimmy Cowan/Jamison Gibson-Park, Steven Luatua, Luke Braid (capt), Brendon O’Connor, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Bekhuis, Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Angus Ta’avao/Sam Prattley, Hayden Triggs, Akira Ioane, Gibson-Park/Bryn Hall, Simon Hickey, George Moala.
