The Blues have named Rieko Ioane to start on the left wing where his battle with Fiji Born All Blacks teammate Waisaki Naholo should be a show‑stopper when they take on the Highlanders this Friday.
Bryn Gatland returns for his fifth start at first five, with in‑form Stephen Perofeta, moving back to fullback.
Jimmy Tupou moves into the second row alongside the in‑form Patrick Tuipulotu who will be honoured after the game having achieved his 50th cap for the Blues in Japan.
Head Coach Tana Umaga wants the team to take full toll of the home advantage.
He says the team are home at Eden Park in front of their fans and their families for the next few games and they want to make this their fortress in the coming weeks starting on Friday.
There will also be a special tribute to the ANZACs pre‑match. Both teams will walk on to the field, along with New Zealand Defence Force personnel for the tribute.
The Blues will take on the Highlanders at 7.35pm Friday while the Waratahs will meet the Lions at 9.45pm.
The team is:
1. Pauliasi Manu, 2. James Parsons ©, 3. Ofa Tuungafasi/Mike Tamoaieta, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu, 5. Jimmy Tupou, 6. Dalton Papalii, 7. Kara Pryor, 8. Akira Ioane; 9. Jonathan Ruru, 10. Bryn Gatland, 11. Rieko Ioane, 12. TJ Faiane, 13. Orbyn Leger, 14. Jordan Hyland,15. Stephen Perofeta.
Reserves: 16. Matt Moulds/Leni Apisai, 17. Ross Wright, 18. Mike Tamoaieta/Sione Mafileo, 19. Ben Neenee, 20. Murphy Taramai, 21. Sam Nock, 22. Tumua Manu, 23. Matt Duffie.
[Source:blues.com]
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