2 Mar 2011

Blues ring the changes

6:44 pm on 2 March 2011

The Blues captain Keven Mealamu's been relegated to the reserves bench for this weekend's Super rugby match against the South African side the Lions in Johannesburg.

Coach Pat Lam's made several changes to his starting lineup in the wake of the loss to the Sharks in Durban last round.

Mealamu's been replaced at hooker by Tom McCartney.

Luke McAlister will start at first five in place of Stephen Brett, Sherwin Stowers will start on the left wing ahead of Rene Ranger while Kurtis Haiu will begin at lock instead of All Black Anthony Boric.

Daniel Braid has been replaced at openside flanker by his brother Luke.

Jerome Kaino will captain the side.