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The Blues have opted for promising youngster Simon Hickey over Benji Marshall to fix their playmaking problems against the Crusaders on Friday.
The 20-year-old five eighth will make his Super Rugby debut replacing Chris Noakes, who was left out of the match squad in the wake of the opening loss to the Highlanders.
Code-hopper Marshall was retained on the bench as an impact player, having trialed at five eighth in the pre-season following his switch from the NRL.
Auckland’s national championship player of the year in 2013, Hickey is a member of the Blues’ wider training group and coach Sir John Kirwan believes the time is right for him to step up.
Kirwan compared Hickey to All Black Aaron Cruden – they have both represented New Zealand at under-20 level – and former Test great Grant Fox.
“We just think that it’s time to give him a chance and, if we want to create internal competition, we need to start that now,” he said.
“He’s had the same pathway as Cruden and he has the calmness of Foxy. He’s a mature young man who’s ready for the next step.”
Noakes was making his return from neck surgery in last weekend’s 29-21 loss to the unfancied Highlanders.
The other five eighth option, Baden Kerr is still recovering from a hand injury.
Inside centre Francis Saili’s foot injury means 18-year-old Tevita Li comes in at right wing in a reshuffled backline.
There are two changes in the starting pack, with Patrick Tuipulotu in for Liaki Moli at lock, and Sam Prattley replacing Ofa Tu’ungafasi at loosehead prop.
The bench features the inclusion of All Blacks centurion frontrowers Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock, who were rested against the Highlanders.
Meanwhile, Kirwan is optimistic that skipper Luke Braid, who picked up an ankle injury in the defeat in Dunedin, will be right to face the Crusaders.
Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, George Moala, Jackson Willison, Tevita Li, Simon Hickey, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid (capt)/Brendon O’Connor, Steven Luatua, Tom Donnelly, Patrick Tuipulotu, Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons, Sam Prattley. Res: Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Angus Ta’avao, Liaki Moli, O’Connor/Jordan Manihera, Bryn Hall, Benji Marshall, Pita Ahki.
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