Teenage back Rieko Ioane will make his Super Rugby debut when he runs out for the Blues against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Saturday.
Ioane, who turns 19 on Friday, is one of two personnel changes to the Blues’ starting side from their 23-19 defeat to the Hurricanes last weekend.
He replaces Rene Ranger, who drops out of the match-day 23, on the right wing.
Like older brother Akira, Ioane is a New Zealand Sevens representative and the pair appeared in two tournaments on the world circuit, playing starring roles, before rejoining the Blues in February.
In the forwards, lock Patrick Tuipulotu moves off the bench to replace Steven Luatua, who reverts to No.8 after a starting appearance in the engine room.
Akira Ioane, who wore the No.8 jersey against the Hurricanes, drops to the bench.
The match will be lock Josh Bekhuis’ 100th in Super Rugby, after 82 appearances for the Highlanders.
The loss to the Hurricanes was the Blues’ second in a row after an opening-round victory over the defending champion Highlanders.
The Reds are 0-3 after a 25-23 defeat to the Melbourne Rebels last weekend.
Blues: Lolagi Visinia, Rieko Ioane, Male Sa’u, George Moala, Tevita Li, Ihaia West, Bryn Hall, Steven Luatua, Blake Gibson, Jerome Kaino (capt), Josh Bekhuis, Patrick Tuipulotu, Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons, Ofa Tu’ungafasi. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Nic Mayhew, Sione Mafileo, Hoani Matenga, Akira Ioane, Kara Pryor, Billy Guyton, Matt McGahan.
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