The Blues' star signing, Benji Marshall, is set to make his Super Rugby debut from the bench in his Super Rugby opener against the Highlanders in Dunedin.
The former league international is seen as on option at first five-eighth and fullback, but the coach Sir John Kirwan says he's not ready to start in either position.
Chris Noakes will instead lead the team at 10, while the All Black, Charles Piutau, has been declared and will start at fullback after dealing with a knee injury.
The Blues will be without the All Blacks, Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu and Ma'a Nonu who are being rested, while the nuber eight, Jerome Kaino, is yet to arrive back from Japan.
Blues
Starting XV
15. Charles Piutau
14. Frank Halai
13. Jackson Willison
12. Francis Saili
11. George Moala
10. Chris Noakes
9. Piri Weepu
8. Peter Saili
7. Luke Braid
6. Steven Luatua
5. Tom Donnelly
4. Liaki Moli
3. Charlie Faumuina
2. James Parsons
1. Ofa Tu'ungafasi
Reserves
16. Tom McCartney
17. Sam Prattley
18. Angus Ta'avao
19. Patrick Tuipulotu
20. Brendon O'Connor
21. Bryn Hall
22. Benji Marshall
23. Tevita Li
