All Blacks star Beauden Barrett is expected to make his Blues debut from fullback against the Hurricanes at Eden Park on Sunday.
NZ Herald reports that starting Barrett at fullback rather than first five-eighth would be something of a surprise move, given the Blues signed the All Blacks play-maker to fill their long-term void at No. 10.
Otere Black did guide the Blues superbly from the first receiver to their five wins from seven games this season before the coronavirus pandemic suspended the competition.
Barrett has started in 43 tests for the All Blacks at first-five but played all six matches at last year's Rugby World Cup from the fullback, with Richie Mo'unga claiming the No. 10 jersey.
Barrett's last match came in their Rugby World Cup victory over Wales in the third-place playoff, almost eight months ago.
The 29-year-old has since produced personal best in fitness tests while training with the team for the past three weeks.
The Blues will take on the Hurricanes at 3.35pm Sunday while the Highlanders will face the Chiefs at 7.05pm tomorrow.
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