Blindside flanker Jerome Kaino will skipper the Blues against the Brumbies in Canberra in his third Super Rugby match since returning from Japan.
The 48-Test All Black takes over from fellow loose forward Luke Braid, who will have a spell on the bench on Friday night after a heavy early season workload.
Coach Sir John Kirwan says 30-year-old Kaino is the best man for the job.
“Since he’s been back he’s really stepped into that leadership role, so it was a pretty easy decision really,” he said.
“There are a lot of guys leading in the football team, which is a really good sign, but he has that mana.”
Brendon O’Connor will wear the No.7 jersey in place of Braid in one of two changes to the starting 15 from the win over the Highlanders last Saturday.
In the backs, Jackson Willison, who starred at centre against the Highlanders, has been ruled out with a rib injury.
George Moala will shift into midfield, with impressive 19-year-old Tevita Li coming back in on the wing.
All Blacks midfielder Francis Saili, who has recovered from a foot injury, is included on the bench.
The Blues’ shortage of locks – Culum Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu and Tom Donnelly are all injured – means loose forward Jordan Manihera comes on to the bench with starting No.8 Steven Luatua covering lock.
Kirwan said the Brumbies, who top the Australian conference, would pose a big challenge with their organisation, structure and physical approach.
He also said it was time for the Blues to start winning on the road if they wanted to be considered serious title contenders.
“We’re 0-3 away from home and we need to get that straight.”
Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, George Moala, Ma’a Nonu, Tevita Li, Simon Hickey, Bryn Hall, Steven Luatua, Brendon O’Connor, Jerome Kaino (capt), Hayden Triggs, Liaki Moli, Charlie Faumuina, Tom McCartney, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: James Parsons, Sam Prattley, Angus Ta’avao, Jordan Manihera, Luke Braid, Sonatane Takulua, Francis Saili, Benji Marshall.
wox
Guest
That be an ideal change considering it hasn't happened yet. Both the Hurricanes and the Blues need to really shake rattle n roll the opposition into submission.Theres a good chance for the rest of the kiwi conference, shine a bit of light thats for sure.
zer0
Guest
Braid is carrying an injury that's been exasperated by his recent high work load - hence why he's on the bench. He'll be back starting after next weeks bye.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Yes and he should be starting imo. Thats one of the reasons I dont like the team named.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Good to see Mr negative is setting himself up for a fall again. But youre not being negative though right?
WEST
Roar Guru
Not bad, so what are we expecting a kiwi whitewash this week or what? Blues and Highlanders to win on Fri and I expect the Hurricanes to really hit their straps against the Bulls at MCLEAN PARK . That will be my game of the week then the Chiefs vs Cheetahs. Chiefs to take that out as well. Crusaders I'm not so sure. But the players will become frustrated and angry with there performances so far so that might create some needed urgency and motivation into their performance. 4 out of 5 for NZ.
atlas
Guest
a wee bit - that's an understatement - even their back-up back-up Murday (development squad) has been injured and needs to prove fitness with his club this weekend. Mealamu - minimal contribution to date, should imo have 'done a Hore' and retired after EOYT. Brumbies by 15.
WEST
Roar Guru
Braid is good. Very handy to have around.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
They have 2 ABs in the tight five. They are lacking a wee bit in the locks but when Donelly and Mealamu return they will have a very strong tight 5. 1) Woodcock 2) Mealamu 3) Faumuina 4) Triggs 5) Donelly Thats not bad.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Braid is on the bench. Thats my team, not the one selected.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Me too. They're sorely lacking in the tight five.
WEST
Roar Guru
Looks pretty sweet to me. Or are you kidding, hard to tell around here. Kaino will make an excellent captain, Especially for the young players coming through the ranks. Bryn Hall is getting keyed up with the team and will become a big advantage for the Blues in time, Im real keen to see him get stuck into it. Glad to see Saili back, he is becoming a real lethal weapon and like Savea will smash his way into one of the best outside backs in the country. Pity about the injury list but thats rugby the Blues have to learn to adapt and overcome. Lock is nothing new to Luatua but is better with more flexibility of #8 or on the flanks, anyway he's most effective in broken play and spreading wide with counter attacks. Don't see it as a big deal. Braid will be right in his element against the Brumbies he's a machine. He will have to get the engine cranking in Canberra. Blues forwards must subdue the Brumbies in the contest up front straight off the whistle, that is a priority. They cannot give the Brumbies time to get into any rhythm. Not with a big home crowd. But Im really expecting the forwards to do their job to create the opportunity for the Blues back line to be unleashed and cause some serious damage to the score line. Im hoping for a solid win by the Blues.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
I dont like the team. 6) Kaino 7) Braid 8) Luatua 9) Hall 10) Hickey 11) Moala 12) Nonu 13) Saili 14) Halai 15) Piutau
Chan Wee
Guest
if there was an award for the heavieat line, Blues may possibly win it :) Halai Moala Nonu all like 105kg and Piutau and Li around 95kg.
Brett McKay
Expert
Ark-building weather about to descend on Canberra. 20-40mm forecast today, and another 40-80mm for tomorrow. Hopefully it starts clearing before the game...