Blues blend youth and experience

 

Tony Woodcock lines up with new All Black James Parsons, who debuted against Scotland last November, with Angus Ta'avao packing down at tighthead prop.

The lock pairing sees Brodie Retallick's cousin, Culum, line up with old-campaigner Hayden Triggs.

 

There is some firepower in the loose trio, with Akira Ioane and Brendon O’Connor on the flanks and All Black Steven Luatua at No.8.

 

Veteran All Black Jimmy Cowan gets a shot to impress, now back in New Zealand after a number of years with Gloucester in the English premiership.

 

He pairs up with the exciting talent that is Ihaia West.

 

New Zealand Under-20 star Tevita Li gets the No.11 jersey, with Ben Lam on the other wing – while George Moala and Hamish Northcott form the centre pairing.

 

Finally, speedster Lolagi Visinia caps off the team at fullback.

 

Blues: 15. Lolagi Visinia, 14. Ben Lam, 13. Hamish Northcott, 12. George Moala, 11. Tevita Li, 10. Ihaia West, 9. Jimmy Cowan, 8. Steven Luatua, 7. Brendon O’Connor, 6. Akira Ioane, 5. Culum Retallick, 4. Hayden Triggs, 3. Angus Ta'avao, 2. James Parsons, .1. Tony Woodcock

Replacements – from: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Matt Moulds, Sam Prattley, Nic Mayhew, Will Lloyd, Joe Edwards, Blake Gibson, Kara Pryor, Simon Hickey, Francis Saili, Pita Ahki, Matt Vaega, Frank Halai, Bryn Hall, Jamison Gibson-Park, Josh Bekhuis.

 

Date: Friday, February 6

Venue: QBE Stadium, Auckland

Kick-off: 16.00 (03.00 GMT)

Referee: Chris Pollock