Rotation in the pivotal first five-eighth role continues at the Blues with Chris Noakes reinstated for the crunch match against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday.
In one of seven personnel and two positional changes, Noakes has been handed his first start since the loss to the Lions in Johannesburg a month ago.
Simon Hickey was preferred in the last three games, as the Blues beat the Cheetahs and Highlanders at Eden Park only to be exposed in Canberra.
The rookie has paid the price for the Blues' tactical downfall against the Brumbies, dropped out of the squad entirely. Star recruit Benji Marshall is on the bench as cover for Noakes.
Wellington weather is forecast to provide wind and rain on Good Friday - conditions that may favour Noakes' steady kicking game.
"Simon has played well for us and had a good run but I think Noakesy's the best man for the job against the Hurricanes," Blues coach Sir John Kirwan said.
"I think his tactical kicking game and tactical awareness at this stage is what we need against the Hurricanes. Simon is tracking really well and it was a big learning curve for him against the Brumbies so for us it's about getting the right horses for the right courses."
Fresh off the bye, the Blues welcome back a number of key players from injury.
In a power-packed midfield Francis Saili has been promoted from the bench to start outside Ma'a Nonu. Having scored four tries in one game for the development team, talented utility Lolagi Visinia makes his first start of the year on the left wing and George Moala switches from centre to the wing, in place of All Black Frank Halai, who drops to the bench.
"Lolagi played well for us late last year and he's a very good young player, we think he's going to be a special athlete," Kirwan said.
"He's been our best performers for the development squad and the message is if you play well for the development squad you're going to get your opportunity and that's what we've done, we've given him an opportunity to prove himself."
At lock, Patrick Tuipulotu and Tom Donnelly are paired in a contrasting combination that features the athletic skills of youth and experienced lineout nous.
Interestingly, Jerome Kaino and Steven Luatua switch roles. Kaino starts at No.8 and Luatua in his preferred role at blindside flanker, alongside returning captain Luke Braid.
"Jerome gives us a little bit more experience and control at eight," Kirwan said.
"I think we're talking two very similar players but one's a bit younger and a little less experienced and one's a bit older with a wiser head so they're both great athletes and ball runners.
"Jerome's really bringing us some edge defensively and I think his decision making around the base of the scrum is what we need against the 'Canes."
Keven Mealamu also makes a starting return from a problematic calf injury to form an all-All Blacks front row alongside Tony Woodcock and Charlie Faumuina.
"I don't think it gets bigger than this from a season point of view." Kirwan said. "I think if you spoke to Mark Hammett he'd say exactly the same - this is a pivotal game in a pivotal season and I think there are a couple of games this weekend that are really exciting and ours is one of them."
BLUES: Charles Piutau, George Moala, Francis Saili, Ma'a Nonu, Lolagi Visinia, Chris Noakes, Bryn Hall, Jerome Kaino, Luke Braid (c), Steven Luatua, Tom Donnelly, Patrick Tuipulotu, Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.Reserves: James Parsons, Sam Prattley, Angus Ta'avao, Liaki Moli, Brendon O'Connor, Jamison Gibson-Park, Benji Marshall, Frank Halai.
- © Fairfax NZ News
