After misfiring over the past few weeks Blues centre Rieko Ioane has been dropped to the bench for this Saturday's match against the Western Force.
Rieko Ioane on the charge for the Blues. Photo: Photosport
The demotion of Ioane is one of two changes to the team for the match at Eden Park.
It's a set back for the 20 year-old who opened the Super Rugby season with a hat-trick against the Rebels in Melbourne.
Blues coach Tana Umaga has promoted TJ Faiane to second-five, who will start for the first time in his Super Rugby career, while George Moala has been moved to centre.
Faiane played for the under 20s in 2014/15 but injuries ruled him out of rugby for much of the last two years.
Tana Umaga said Faiane deserves the call up after impressive performances off the bench this season.
"His recovery has taken the better part of a year, he has put in a lot of work to get to where he is now.
"It will be a special moment, it was special when he had his first game with us down in Christchurch and no doubt this weekend will be special playing in front of his friends and family," Umaga said.
Murphy Taramai will step in as openside flanker, for Blake Gibson who's being rested after a heavy workload early in the season.
