Blues move Ioane again
Tuipulotu, who made his debut in 2014, has played in all six games for the Blues this season, while fullback Michael Collins will play his 20th and blazer game for the Blues.
The added toll to the injury list, with Jerome Kaino (hamstring) and George Moala (chest) out after injuries in last week's game against the Chiefs, has forced some changes.
It will see the debuts for New Zealand under-20s representative Orbyn Leger, who will play alongside Rieko Ioane in the midfield. Ioane moves from outside centre to inside centre for the match.
Big Northland wing Jordan Hyland gets his start on the right wing, after some impressive performances in the Blues Development team, which means that All Black Matt Duffie moves to the left wing.
The Blues have also brought in young Auckland lock Ben Neenee to the reserves, after also playing well for the Blues Development.
Umaga said the team has settled well in Tokyo and looking forward to the game in considerably cooler conditions to last year's clash.
Blues: 15 Michael Collins, 14 Jordan Hyland, 13 Orbyn Leger, 12 Rieko Ioane, 11 Matt Duffie, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 9 Jonathan Ruru, 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Kara Pryor, 6 Jimmy Tupou, 5 Josh Goodhue, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 2 James Parsons (captain), 1 Pauliasi Manu.
Replacements: 16 Matt Moulds, 17 Ross Wright, 18 Mike Tamoaieta, 19 Ben Neenee, 20 Dalton Papali'i, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Bryn Gatland, 23 TJ Faiane.
Date: Saturday, April 14
Venue: Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo
Kick-off: 12.05 (15.05 NZ time; 03.05 GMT)
Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Shuhei Kubo (Japan), Tasuku Kawahara (Japan)
TMO: Minoru Fuji (Japan)
