The winless Blues have made six changes to their starting line-up to face South African side the Cheetahs in their Super Rugby game in Bloemfontein on Saturday morning.
Three of the changes are positional, while one is forced due to the suspension of lock Hayden Triggs, who is replaced by Patrick Tuipulotu.
Hayden Triggs was red carded for punching and sits out this weekend's game Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Elsewhere in the forwards, Charlie Faumuina starts at tighthead prop for Angus Ta'avao, who shifts into the reserves, Luke Braid comes onto the blindside for Steven Luatua, who has recovered from a shoulder injury but moves onto the bench to cover both loose forward and lock.
In the backs, Melanai Nanai will make his debut on the right win in place of Ben Lam, who drops out of the match-day 23, while Hamish Northcott shifts in from centre to second five eighths, with Francis Saili dropping to the bench. Charles Piutau moves into centre from fullback, and Lolagi Visinia will wear the No.15 jersey.
It'll be captain Jerome Kaino's 100th Blues and Super Rugby appearance.
The Cheetahs, who had the bye last weekend, are one of only four undefeated teams this season. The Blues' last opponents, the Stormers, are among those sides, along with the Hurricanes and the Chiefs.
1. Tony Woodcock
2. James Parsons
3. Charlie Faumuina
4. Josh Bekhuis
5. Patrick Tuipulotu
6. Luke Braid
7. Brendon O'Connor
8. Jerome Kaino (captain)
9. Jimmy Cowan
10. Ihaia West
11. Tevita Li
12. Hamish Northcott
13. Charles Piutau
14. Melanai Nanai
15. Lolagi Visinia
Replacements :
16. Matt Moulds
17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
18. Angus Ta'avao
19. Steven Luatua
20. Akira Iaone
21. Jamison Gibson-Park
22. Simon Hickey
23. Francis Saili
