World Cup-winning halfback Piri Weepu will be on the bench for the Blues’ opening Super Rugby clash with the Crusaders at Auckland’s Eden Park on Friday night.
All Blacks star Weepu, who switched from the Hurricanes in the off-season, will be reserve to incumbent Alby Mathewson while Michael Hobbs takes the contentious five eighth spot.
David Raikuna will make his Blues debut on the wing, while another rookie, Hadleigh Parkes, is on the bench.
Blues: Isaia Toeava, David Raikuna, Rene Ranger, Benson Stanley, Rudi Wulf, Michael Hobbs, Alby Mathewson, Jerome Kaino, Daniel Braid, Chris Lowrey, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tom McCartney. Res: Pauliasi Manu, Tevita Mailau, Brad Mika, Luke Braid, Piri Weepu, Hadleigh Parkes, Sherwin Stowers.