All change for struggling Blues
Coach John Kirwan rung the changes as he looked to break his winless Blues team's Super Rugby duck.
Former Highlanders and Crusaders flyhalf Dan Bowden will make his Blues Super Rugby debut against the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.
Bowden, who has been sidelined with a foot injury, has been named to start at flyhalf in this Round Seven outing.
The former Northland and Auckland representative signed for the Blues for two years after playing in United Kingdom and Japan for the past four years.
He has played 27 Super Rugby games, but Saturday is his first for the Blues after he, wife Hayley and baby son returned to their hometown of Auckland this year.
Ihaia West, who has kicked 56 points in five games, gets a break after playing virtually every minute this year.
Hayden Triggs gets the starting job with All Black Patrick Tuipuloto at lock, with Josh Bekhuis ruled with injury.
Brendon O'Connor gets the start at No.7, with Luke Braid on the bench.
There are several players returning to the squad for the first time, after early season injuries – including George Moala, who has his first start at centre, with All Black Sevens player Pita Ahki and lock Culum Retallick on the bench.
All Black Charles Piutau will move fullback after playing two games at centre.
Players not considered because of injury include Bryn Hall, who will be out for approximately eight weeks after fracturing his foot in a club game last week, and Bekhuis, who is expected to be available for selection next week.
Blues: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Frank Halai, 13 George Moala, 12 Francis Saili, 11 Melani Nanai, 10 Dan Bowden, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Jerome Kaino (captain), 7 Brendon O'Connor, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu, 4 Hayden Triggs, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 James Parsons, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Ofa Tu'ungafasi/Sam Prattley, 18 Angus Ta'avao, 19 Culum Retallick, 20 Luke Braid, 21 Jamison Gibson-Park, 22 Simon Hickey, 23 Pita Ahki.
Date: Saturday, march 28
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 19.40 (21.40 NZ time; 08.40 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Andrew Lees, Damien Mitchelmore (Australia)
TMO: Peter Marshall (Australia)
