The Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan says picking his side to take on the Hurricanes in their season opener in Wellington on Saturday night was a tough exercise.
In what Kirwan says was the hardest decision, Chris Noakes has been given the nod at first five-eighths ahead of Baden Kerr and will make his first appearance in a Blues jersey.
Lock Culum Retallick will also play his first game for the Blues, while Counties-Manukau wing Frank Halai will make his Super Rugby debut.
On the bench, Brendon O'Connor, Bryn Hall and Baden Kerr are poised to make their Super Rugby debuts.
All Black halfback Piri Weepu will play his 100th Super Rugby game against his old franchise in his hometown, while Rene Ranger will bring up his 50th game starting at centre.
Starting XV:
15. Charles Piutau
14. Frank Halai
13. Rene Ranger
12. Francis Saili
11. George Moala
10. Chris Noakes
9. Piri Weepu
8. Peter Saili
7. Luke Braid
6. Steven Luatua
5. Ali Williams (C)
4. Culum Retallick
3. Charlie Faumuina
2. James Parsons
1. Tom McCartney
Reserves
16. Quentin MacDonald
17. Angus Ta'avao
18. Liaki Moli
19. Brendon O'Connor
20. Bryn Hall
21. Baden Kerr
22. Jackson Willison
