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The Blues have made five changes to their starting line-up to face the Highlanders, including dropping winger George Moala.
Coach Sir John Kirwan says that, while Moala breached team protocol, that was not the reason he was omitted for Saturday night’s Super Rugby match in Dunedin.
Kirwan says Moala missed some rehabilitation and a promotional event, but that was not serious enough to be a selection matter and the 22-year-old had been fined.
Rather, Kirwan says Moala’s replacement, Waisake Naholo, deserved his chance.
In April, Moala was dropped for breaking team protocol, with Kirwan saying at the time that Moala had not shared some information with management that he should have.
The player was later revealed to be facing assault charges.
In other Blues changes against the Highlanders, Baden Kerr comes in at fly-half for Chris Noakes, who is on leave for family reasons.
Veteran hooker Keven Mealamu, who spent part of the week in the All Blacks camp, will begin on the bench.
Kirwan has opted for James Parsons in the No.2 jersey so as to stick with the lineout that has been practising throughout the week.
That lineout combination includes lock Anthony Boric, who comes in for Culum Retallick.
Blindside flanker Steven Luatua has recovered from injury to take his place in the team, but openside Luke Braid has a groin issue and has been bracketed with Brendon O’Connor.
Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Rene Ranger, Francis Saili, Waisake Naholo, Baden Kerr, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid/Brendon O’Connor, Steven Luatua, Ali Williams (capt), Anthony Boric, Angus Ta’avao, James Parsons, Tim Perry. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Sam Prattley, Culum Retallick, O’Connor/Kane Barrett, Jamison Gibson-Park, Marty McKenzie, Jackson Willison.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.