The Blues coach Sir John Kirwan has made just one injury-enforced change to the starting XV for Saturday's match against the Chiefs in Mount Maunganui.
Angus Ta'avao will start at tighthead prop in place of Charlie Faumuina who tore his right calf against the Waratahs last week and is expected to be out of action for at least eight weeks.
The former New Zealand Under-20 prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi is poised to make his Super Rugby debut after being named on the bench.
After consecutive losses against the Bulls and Waratahs, Kirwan says it's important for his side to rediscover their excitement levels and start playing a high tempo, high impact game.
Kirwan believes playing against the defending champions will bring out the best in his young team.
Starting XV
15. Charles Piutau
14. Frank Halai
13. Rene Ranger
12. Francis Saili
11. George Moala
10. Chris Noakes
9. Piri Weepu
8. Peter Saili
7. Luke Braid
6. Steven Luatua
5. Ali Williams (C)
4. Culum Retallick
3. Angus Ta'avao
2. James Parsons
1. Tom McCartney
Reserves
16. Quentin MacDonald
17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
18. Anthony Boric
19. Brendon O'Connor
20. Jamison Gibson-Park
21. Baden Kerr
22. Jackson Willison
