Blues v Hurricanes: Teams

The Blues will hand a debut to their new-look half-back pairing when Alby Mathewson and Stephen Brett team up for the Super 14 opener against the Hurricanes on Friday.

Mathewson and Brett were the stand out signings by the Blues in the closed season, with fellow new arrivals No.8 Viliami Ma'afu and former Hurricanes flanker Serge Lilo also set to start.

Another former Hurricane, fly-half Dan Kirkpatrick, is on the bench.

Unavailable for selection because of injury were lock Ali Williams - who faces a season on the sidelines - George Pisi, Anthony Tuitavake and Luke McAlister.

The spot vacated by Williams, who was injured after just three minutes of pre-season action, has gone to Kurtis Haiu.

New captain Andrew Hore will lead the Hurricanes for the first time proper in Auckland.

The New Zealand hooker, who took over from Rodney So'oialo as skipper during the off-season, captains a talented looking side that includes Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Cory Jane.

Elsewhere in Colin Cooper's line-up, there are spots for Jason Eaton, Neemia Tialata, John Schwalger and Hosea Gear while Piri Weepu and Willie Ripia will form the half-back combination at North Harbour Stadium.

Blues: 15 Rudi Wulf, 14 Rene Ranger, 13 Isaia Toeava, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Viliami Ma'afu, 7 Serge Lilo, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Kurtis Haiu, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (c), 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Filo Paulo, 19 Peter Saili, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 22 Paul Williams.

Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Tamati Ellison, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Scott Waldrom, 6 Nick Crosswell, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Michael Paterson, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore (capt), 1 John Schwalger.
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18 Bryn Evans, 19 Karl Lowe, 20 Tyson Keats, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 David Smith.