The new Blues coach Sir John Kirwan is stamping his mark on the side from the outset naming 18 new caps in his squad to play the Queensland Reds in a Super rugby pre-season match in Toowoomba on Saturday night.
The starting fifteen features nine players who have yet to play for the Blues including the entire backline, while nine reserves are also new to the franchise.
They'll come up against a Queensland side which includes eleven current Wallabies.
Luke Braid will captain the side in the absence of Ali Williams, who alongside fellow All Blacks Piri Weepu and Charlie Faumuina, won't go to Queensland.
Anthony Boric and Rene Ranger are also staying home.
