The Blues have finished their Super Rugby pre-season with a third straight win, beating the Highlanders 29-12 at Unitech in Auckland.
By contrast the Highlanders couldn't manage one victory in their three trial games.
Star Blues recruit Piri Weepu played the second half at halfback but he's well off the pace set by the rest of the Blues, thanks to the extra long layoff for the All Blacks, and an injury setback.
So it looks likely Michael Hobbs will start at first five next weekend against the Crusaders at Eden Park.
The All Black Sonny Bill Williams will get his first outing for the Chiefs this evening at second five eighth against the Hurricanes in Taupo.
