In-form centre Rene Ranger has been moved to the wing in a suspension-related change to the Blues’ side to face the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby match in Auckland.
Ranger will fill in for George Moala, who is sitting out a one-week ban for a high tackle on Buxton Popoalii in the Blues’ 29-18 win over the Highlanders last weekend.
Francis Saili comes back into the starting 15 to take over the No.13 jersey on Saturday night.
Coach Sir John Kirwan says the decision to shift Ranger out wide was an easy one.
“He’s been our best centre and he will be our centre of the future, but we just need him to fill that spot for the week that George is away,” he said on Thursday.
“He’s doing that for the team.”
Kirwan also believed the move would help Ranger to press his claims for a recall to the All Blacks.
“A centre of his quality that can cover wing has got to be pretty special,” Kirwan said.
The other change to the starting line-up is the inclusion of Tom McCartney at loosehead prop, with Tim Perry making way.
“We’re expecting Tom to give us a bit of injection,” Kirwan said.
“He was pretty annoyed he was not playing last week.”
Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Francis Saili, Jackson Willison, Rene Ranger, Chris Noakes, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Steven Luatua, Ali Williams (capt), Culum Retallick, Angus Ta’avao, James Parsons, Tom McCartney. Res: Keven Mealamu, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Anthony Boric, Brendon O’Connor, Jamison Gibson-Park, Baden Kerr, Albert Nikoro.