The Blues have named an unchanged starting line‑up to take on the Chiefs in Hamilton in the second round of the Super Rugby competition.
However they have named six All Blacks, a Maori All Black and a New Zealand Under‑20s player on the reserves bench.
Lock Jimmy Tupou will again lead the Blues.
Last week, the Blues scored seven tries in their 56‑18 opening round win over the Rebels in Melbourne.
The bench is notable with Patrick Tuipulotu and Jerome Kaino returning for the first time this season to join fellow All Blacks Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Charlie Faumuina, George Moala and Rene Ranger along with Maori All Black Billy Guyton and NZ Under‑20s rep Hame Faiva.
The players not considered for selection because of injury are Alex Hodgman, Sam Nock, Declan O'Donnell, Stephen Perofeta and Sonny Bill Williams.
The Blues and Chiefs clash at 6.35pm Friday.
The team is: Pauliasi Manu, Matt Moulds, Sione Mafileo, Jimmy Tupou (C), Gerard Cowley‑Tuioti, Steven Luatua, Blake Gibson, Akira Ioane; Augustine Pulu, Ihaia West, Melani Nanai, Piers Francis, Rieko Ioane, Matt Duffie, Michael Collins.
Reserves: Hame Faiva, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Charlie Faumuina, Patrick Tuipulotu, Jerome Kaino, Billy Guyton, George Moala, Rene Ranger.
Source: Radio NZ
