Moala milestone to be celebrated against Kings
The 25-year-old will be the most capped Blues player in the backline to take on the Kings in the first of the Blues' three-match tour – which includes the Lions in Johannesburg and the Western Force in Perth.
They return for a much anticipated clash against the Crusaders at Eden Park, before the June international break.
Melani Nanai, who had three starts early in the season, returns to start on the right wing in place of Rieko Ioane, who has joined the All Black Sevens team – preparing for the Olympic Games in Rio.
The other changes come in the front row – with Ofa Tu'ungafasi , who has played in every game this year, getting a start after four games coming off the bench, swapping with Charlie Faumuina.
Northland captain Matt Moulds will be looking for his first game of the season, named on the bench as replacement hooker, after two caps last year.
It is the first time that the Blues have played the Kings – who played in 2013 before being relegated, and have returned to the expanded competition this year, based at Nelson Mandela Stadium in port Elizabeth.
Blues: 15 Lolagi Visinia, 14 Melani Nanai, 13 George Moala, 12 Piers Francis, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Ihaia West, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Steven Luatua, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 2 James Parsons (captain), 1 Sam Prattley.
Replacements: 16 Matt Moulds, 17 Nic Mayhew, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Hoani Matenga, 20 Kara Pryor, 21 Billy Guyton, 22 Matt McGahan, 23 Male Sa'u.
Date: Saturday, May 7
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Kick-off: 17.10 (15.10 GMT; 03.05, Sunday May 8, NZ time)
Referee: Federico Anselmi
Assistant referees: Rasta Rasivhenge, Archie Sehlako
TMO: Christie du Preez
