The Blues have called in their heavyweights, naming six All Blacks for their first starts of the Super Rugby season in Saturday's clash with the Highlanders at Eden Park.
Co‑captains James Parsons and Jerome Kaino are named in the pack that also sees prop Charlie Faumuina and lock Patrick Tuipulotu in the starting eight.
There's a further change in the forwards with North Harbour newcomer Murphy Taramai to make his first Super Rugby start at No 8, meaning Akira Ioane drops to the bench.
The Blues will take on the Highlanders at 6.35pm Saturday.
