The Blues are determined to get off to a decent start in this year's Super Rugby campaign and that means knocking over the Chiefs in the opening round.
They have named All Black Jerome Kaino to lead the side, despite him being in some doubt with an illness.
Back in the mix is Tony Woodcock who missed a large portion of last year's All Black duties due to a shoulder injury.
Young rising star Akira Ioane, who only received confirmation he would be in the squad this week, could get some minutes off the bench.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs have named three debutantes in the side which will be captained by lock Matt Symons.
The Blues host the Chiefs at 6.35pm this Saturday.
Blues:
Lolagi Visinia, Charles Piutau, George Moala/ Hamish NorthCott, Francis Saili, Tevita Li, Ihaia West, Jimmy Cowan, Jerome Kaino, Brendon O'Connor, Steven Luatua, Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis, Angus Ta'avao, James Parsons, Tony Woodcock.
Chiefs:
1.Pauliasi Manu, 2.Hika Elliot, 3.Ben Tameifuna, 4.Matt Symons, 5. Michael Fitzgerald, 6.Johan Bardoul, 7.Sam Cane, 8.Maama Vaipulu, 9. Brad Weber, 10.Damian McKenzie, 11.James Lowe, 12.Sonny Bill Williams, 13.Charlie Ngatai, 14.Tim Nanai‑Williams,15. Tom Marshall.
Source: Stuff
