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Benji Marshall faces a potential clash with Kurtley Beale after being named at five eighth for the Blues in their Super Rugby trial against the NSW Waratahs.
Blues coach Sir John Kirwan had no qualms about selecting former NRL star Marshall at playmaker again as he returns to his former Sydney stomping ground for his second match in his new football code.
Saturday’s pre-season match at Allianz Stadium was originally billed as a clash of league converts, with Marshall tipped to play fullback, like successful Waratahs convert Israel Folau.
But he’s now set to test his new skills against either returning Wallabies star Beale or incumbent five eighth Bernard Foley, with Waratahs coach Michael Cheika yet to reveal his five eighth plans to start the match.
Kirwan has no doubt Marshall will be unfazed by the hype surrounding his return to Sydney in a new code.
“This weekend’s a little bit about Benji going back to Sydney, everyone’s saying it’s a big week for him. But he loves big weeks so for us it’s just getting him out there,” Kirwan said.
“He’s had his first game so it would be nice to get him back out there with a bit more pressure on and just say `go for it, get into it and enjoy it’.”
Kirwan will ease three All Blacks back into action in the match after late starts to their pre-season training.
Speedster Frank Halai will start on the right wing, and Francis Saili and Charles Piutau will both come off the bench in the second half.
“Frank’s been with us for three weeks now so he’s transitioned right in and will be starting and playing 40 minutes,” Kirwan said.
“Francis Saili will be playing 20 minutes and so will Charles Piutau so we’re looking to transition the All Blacks back in.”
Former All Black lock Tom Donnelly will make his Blues debut and captain Luke Braid will lead the side for the first time this year at openside flanker.
With Marshall starting, promising five-eighth Simon Hickey has been named on the bench alongside fellow playmaker Chris Noakes, who will make his first appearance since undergoing neck surgery in the off-season.
Kirwan said he was looking for his side to build on last week’s performance against the Hurricanes.
“As far as the Waratahs are concerned we’re not going to worry about them, for us we just want improvements in the systems so we want a better understanding and a better execution this week.”
Blues: Albert Nikoro, Frank Halai, George Moala, Jackson Willison, Tevita Li, Benji Marshall, Bryn Hall, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Kane Barrett, Tom Donnelly, Liaki Moli, Angus Taavao, James Parsons, Sam Prattley. Res: Sonatane Takulua, Chris Noakes, Simon Hickey, Francis Saili, Lolagi Visinia, Baden Kerr, Charles Piutau, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Tom McCartney, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, William Lloyd, Patrick Tuipulotu, Jordan Manihera, Brendon O’Connor.
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.