Ma'a Nonu has made way for Sonny Bill Williams as the Blues look to jump‑start their 2019 Super Rugby campaign in South Africa.
The former NRL star came off the bench during his side's 24‑22 loss to the Crusaders in the opening round.
In the game against the defending champions, Nonu showed his trademark bruising defence, but he was awkward on attack and was guilty of defensive misreads.
The former All Black will skip the game against the Sharks in Durban, with TJ Faiane shifting to his preferred centre position, after wearing the number.12 jersey last weekend.
The Blues team to play The Sharks.
— The Blues (@BluesRugbyTeam) February 21, 2019
📺: Sunday, 2:05am on @skysportnz#RiseUp #BluesAllDay #SHAvBLU pic.twitter.com/HpG7Jk5l80
The Sunday morning clash will mark Williams' first Super Rugby start in 10 months.
Williams will be joined by fellow All Blacks Ofa Tu'ungafasi and Karl Tu'inukuafe in the run‑on side, after both made impressive appearances off the bench against the Crusaders.
Melani Nani and number eight Akira Ioane will play their 50th Super Rugby games for the Blues.
The Blues will meet the Sharks at 1.05am Sunday.
Blues: 1‑Karl Tu'inukuafe, 2‑James Parsons, 3‑Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 4‑Patrick Tuipulotu, 5‑Josh Goodhue, 6‑Tom Robinson, 7‑Dalton Papalii, 8‑Akira Ioane, 9‑Jonathan Ruru, 10‑Otere Black, 11‑Rieko Ioane, 12‑Sonny Bill Williams, 13‑TJ Faiane, 14‑Caleb Clarke, 15‑Melani Nanai.
Reserves: 16‑Matt Moulds, 17‑Alex Hodgman, 18‑Sione Mafileo, 19‑Gerard Cowley‑Tuioti, 20‑Matt Matich, 21‑Augustine Pul, 22, Harry Plummer, 23‑Tanielu Tele'a
[Source: Newshub]
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