All Blacks pair Doug Howlett and Tony Woodcock will make their first Super 12 rugby appearances of the season for the Blues against the Chiefs at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, on Saturday.
Howlett pushes right winger Isa Nacewa to the reserve bench, while Woodcock’s introduction means there is no place in the 22 for loosehead prop Saimone Taumoepeau.
There are two other changes from the team who sneaked an 18-15 win over the Queensland Reds on Friday.
Halfback Steve Devine will make his first start of the competition ahead of David Gibson, as will hooker Derren Witcombe, who usurps All Blacks rake Keven Mealamu.
Ben Atiga is still sidelined with a hamstring strain and will be replaced by Luke McAlister at centre. — Sapa-NZPA
Team:
Mils Muliaina, Doug Howlett, Luke McAlister, Sam Tuitupou, Joe Rokocoko, Carlos Spencer, Steve Devine, Xavier Rush (captain), Daniel Braid, Angus MacDonald, Ali Williams, Greg Rawlinson, John Afoa, Derren Witcombe, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Taufa’ao Filise, Bradley Mika, Justin Collins, David Gibson, Tasesa Lavea, Isa Nacewa.