Luatua sacrificed for speed
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The Blues have named two openside flanks in their starting XV for their match against the Brumbies in Auckland on Friday.
Luke Braid will wear the number 6 jersey, which will see All Black Steven Luatua come off the bench for what would be his 44th game for the Blues after announcing he will be staying on with the club for a further two years.
The Blues opting for two fetching flanks to compete against the speedy Brumbies loose forwards.
The cellar dwelling Blues return to Eden Park for the first time this season to host the Brumbies.
Their spiritual home was out of action as a host venue for the Cricket World Cup, with the Blues winning five of seven games there last year.
Other changes will see starts for All Black lock Patrick Tuipulotu, and loose-head prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi with Sam Prattley coming off the bench.
The only players not considered for selection were scrumhalf Bryn Hall on long term recovery, while both fullback Lolagi Visinia and All Black prop Tony Woodcock have a further week off recovering from head knocks.
Also Jimmy Cowan is on leave as his partner is expecting the birth of their second child.
Blues: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Frank Halai, 13 Pita Ahki, 12 George Moala, 11 Melani Nanai, 10 Dan Bowden, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jerome Kaino (captain), 7 Brendon O'Connor, 6 Luke Braid, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Charlie Faimuina, 2 James Parsons, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Sam Prattley, 18 Angus Ta'avao, 19 Hayden Triggs, 20 Steven Luatua, 21 Jamie Booth, 22 Ihaia West, 23 Francis Saili.
Date: Friday, April 10
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19.35 (17.35 AEST; 07.35 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Lees
Assistant referees: Nick Briant, Brendon Pickerill
TMO: Ben Skeen
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