The Blues still see Benji Marshall as having the potential to be their main playmaker as the high-profile league convert prepares for his first Super Rugby start.

Marshall will run out in the No.15 jersey when the Blues tackle the Lions in Johannesburg on Sunday morning (NZT).

Coach Sir John Kirwan used the former Kiwis skipper as starting first five-eighth during the pre-season.

But Marshall’s only game time in the competition proper has been as replacement fullback in the first round defeat to the Highlanders.

“He certainly learns very quickly and I think he will have more possibilities to play 10, but we just need to be a little more patient with him,” Kirwan said.

“Being out there and playing the game, and seeing what the team is doing and how to run it will be a much quicker way to learn.”

Marshall was an unused substitute in the week two win over the Crusaders and was left out of the match day squad that lost to the Bulls last weekend.

Kirwan said it had been a difficult fortnight for Marshall, but having him sit out against the Bulls allowed him to focus on the fullback’s job.

“He’s really excited about it and it’s his opportunity to push for a position,” he said.

“We’re trying to build a complete football team and he needs to put his hand up this week, which I’m sure he will.”

While preaching patience for Marshall, Kirwan is also wanting the same from his players at Ellis Park, as well as a better start.

In all three matches so far, the Blues have conceded big leads early on.

“We’re starting well for the first 10 minutes and then some errors are coming into our game and really affecting us,” he said.

“You have to be give credit to the opposition as well. It’s just that we need to make sure we’re on a level footing after 30 minutes.”