Jerome Kaino, Patrick Tuipulotu and Sonny Bill Williams have not been considered for selection ahead of the Blues Super Rugby opener against the Rebels tonight.
The Blues have named a team with a mix of power and excitement.
Jimmy Tupou who has 37 appearances for the Crusaders has been named captain in his first outing for the Blues.
Co‑captains James Parsons and Jerome Kaino have not been considered for selection this week.
Augustine Pulu also makes his Blues debut after 51 caps for the Chiefs and playing for the All Blacks Sevens side last year.
Ihaia West, Piers Francis, Melani Nanai and Matt Duffie were backline regulars last year, while Rieko Ioane starts at centre with Otago’s Michael Collins making his Super Rugby debut at fullback.
There are three All Blacks in the Blues’ reserves in Charlie Faumuina, George Moala and the explosive Rene Ranger who is back after a long‑term injury last year.
The 2017 Super Rugby season kicks off at 8.45 tonight when the Blues clash with the Rebels in Melbourne.
Blues Team:
Pauliasi Manu, Matt Moulds, Sione Mafileo, Jimmy Tupou, Gerard Cowley‑Tuioti, Steven Luatua, Blake Gibson, Akira Ioane; Augustine Pulu, Ihaia West, Melani Nanai, Piers Francis, Rieko Ioane, Matt Duffie, Michael Collins.
Replacements: Hame Faiva, Sam Prattley, Charlie Faumuina, Scott Scrafton, Murphy Taramai, Sam Nock, George Moala, Rene Ranger.
Source: SuperXV
