Sevens All Black starts for Blues

 

 

the loose forward was given a late contract with the Blues and was a standout in pre-season games.

 

Ioane gets his chance with Luke Braid not considered with injury and Steven Luatua being rested after a heavy schedule.

 

Another young talent, Blake Gibson, a member of this year's All Blacks Under-20 team, comes into the reserves.

 

The Blues also welcome back Jimmy Cowan to the replacements, after he was on leave for the birth of his second child – a daughter.

 

Cowan played more than a 100 games for the Highlanders, and joins Dan Bowden, Josh Bekhuis and Haydn Triggs as former players now taking on the Highlanders on Saturday.

 

Coach John Kirwan is also saving some firepower with All Blacks Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock and Charlie Faumuina to come off the bench on Saturday.

 

Woodcock, Melani Nanai and George Moala all bracketed because of injuries to be finalised by Friday.

 

Blues: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Frank Halai, 13 Pita Ahki, 12 George Moala/Francis Saili, 11 Melani Nanai/Tevita Li, 10 Dan Bowden, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jerome Kaino (captain), 7 Brendon O'Connor, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Angus Ta'avao, 2 James Parsons, 1 Ofa Tu'ungafasi.

Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Tony Woodcock/Sam Prattley, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Hayden Triggs, 20 Blake Gibson, 21 Jimmy Cowan, 22 Ihaia West, 23 Francis Saili/Hamish Northcott.