The Blues have been boosted by the return of All Blacks Sevens player Pita Ahki at centre for Saturday’s Super Rugby match against the Chiefs in Hamilton.
It will be Ahki’s starting debut after he was sidelined with an early season foot injury.
However, the Blues will be without loosehead prop Tony Woodcock, out for a week with a head knock, while tighthead prop Charlie Faumuina has been bracketed with Angus Ta’avao
Jamison Gibson-Park receives his first start at halfback as the Blues hunt their first win of the Super Rugby season.
Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Pita Ahki, George Moala, Tevita Li, Dan Bowden, Jamison Gibson-Park, Jerome Kaino, Brendon O’Connor, Steven Luatua, Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis, Charlie Faumuina/Angus Ta’avao, Keven Mealamu, Ofa Tu’ungafasi. Reserves: James Parsons, Sam Prattle, Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Luke Braid, Jimmy Cowan, Ihaia West, Francis Saili.