Sevens star Akhi back for the Blues

 

Ahki makes his first start after a pre-season foot injury, and will start at centre outside George Moala who moves in one slot, with Peter Saili moving to the bench.

 

All Black and Blues veteran Keven Mealamu returns for his second start of the season, Ofa Tu’ungafasi starts with Tony Woodcock out with injury while fellow All Black Charlie Faumuina is bracketed at prop with Angus Ta’avao.

 

Lock Josh Bekhuis gets a start in the engine room, which will see Patrick Tuipulotu move to the bench, along with hooker James Parsons.

 

There are other changes in the backs with Jamison Gibson-Park given his first start at scrumhalf and Tevita Li returning to the wing.

 

Blues: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Frank Halai, 13 Pita Ahki, 12 George Moala, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Dan Bowden, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jerome Kaino (captain), 7 Brendon O'Connor, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Hayden Triggs, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Charlie Faimuina/Angus Ta’avao, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi.

Replacements: 16 James Parsons, 17 Sam Prattley, 18 Angus Ta'avao, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Luke Braid, 21 Jimmy Cowan, 22 Ihaia West, 23 Francis Saili.

 

Date: Saturday, April 4

Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

Kick-off: 19.35 (08.35 SAST; 06.35 GMT)

Referee: Mike Fraser

Assistant referees: Glen Jackson, Shane McDermott

TMO: Ben Skeen