Michael Hobbs’ comeback from a career-threatening injury will take another big step forward when he runs out for the Blues against the Crusaders in Auckland on Friday night.

Hobbs, who had major back surgery in the United States in mid-2010, has been handed the No.10 jersey for the first match of the new Super Rugby season.

“There were times when I didn’t think I was going to be able to play rugby again, let alone against the Crusaders at Eden Park on opening night,” the 24-year-old said.

“There’ll be a bit of nerves there, but I’ll just look on it as a special opportunity.

“I couldn’t really have asked for it to play out any better, lying on the surgeon’s table 18 months ago to where I am now.”

Hobbs, who was a member of the Blues’ campaign in 2009 before moving to the Highlanders the following year, gets the nod ahead of World Cup-winning halfback Piri Weepu, who is still working himself back to full fitness.

Former Hurricane Weepu is instead set to make his first appearance for the Blues off the bench, covering both halfback and fly-half.

Hobbs’ selection pits him in a playmaking duel with Tyler Bleyendaal, to whom the Crusaders have turned to fill the hole left by the injured Dan Carter.

While Bleyendaal is yet to make his Super Rugby debut, Hobbs has plenty of respect for the 21-year-old.

The pair have clashed on the rugby field before, with Hobbs being part of Wellington’s win over Canterbury in the national provincial championship last year.

“He’s got a great distribution game, a great pass on him, and a good kicking game, but I’ve also seen him run when he needs to and put a couple boys away for tries,” Hobbs said.

“He’s got the whole package and we’ll have to make sure we try to shut him down.”

The two sides also met in round one last year, with the Blues pipping the Crusaders 24-22.