Blues coach Sir John Kirwan said there will be no selection shake-up following their loss to the Highlanders, but the spotlight will this week once again fall on the men vying for the No 10 jersey.
Chris Noakes, a first-five who impressed last season before suffering a serious neck injury, has played little rugby since and it showed against the Highlanders.
Coach John Kirwan is also happy with the performance of Benji Marshall as he played the last quarter of the match against the Highlanders at fullback and provided much needed spark in the backline.
Kirwan also welcome the return of Kevin Mealamu and Tony Woodcock.
The Crusaders also have issues at first-five.
With Dan Carter on sabbatical and Colin Slade injured, Tyler Bleyendaal got the nod at No 10 over Tom Taylor and missed five shots at goal in the 18-10 defeat to the Chiefs before being replaced by Taylor at halftime.
The Crusaders will take on the Blues at 6.35pm Friday while the Rebels face the Cheetahs at 8.40pm.
Story by: Aliki Bia
