Blues v Hurricanes: Teams

Blues coach Pat Lam has made six changes to his starting line-up for Saturday's Super Rugby clash with the Hurricanes at Eden Park.

In a match that marks Tony Woodcock's 100th Super Rugby game for the Blues and Kurtis Haiu's 50th, the Blues will play their first home match since Round One, having returned home after three offshore games in South Africa and Australia.

Wing Joe Rokocoko, prop Charlie Faumuina, number eight Chris Lowrey and scrum-half Toby Morland will all sit out - or miss out - against the Hurricanes.

Prop John Afoa, lock Kurtis Haiu, flanker Luke Braid, number eight Peter Saili, scrum-half Alby Mathewson and fly-half Stephen Brett are drafted into the starting XV.

Smylie having recovered from injury takes a spot on the bench for the first time and Saili starts in the back row having been out of commission for a week following a head knock in the Lions match.

Haiu replaces injured Ali Williams (hamstring), while Braid replaces brother Daniel, who is suffering from a sore neck.

The addition of Brett sees Luke McAlister move to inside centre and Benson Stanley to the left wing, while Rene Ranger switches wings to start on the right.

Lam said Brett, who came off the bench and kicked the last-minute penalty against the Force to tie the score, was probably best equipped to guide the Blues around the park.

"The team needs some navigation and Stephen is probably the best navigator in the team," said Lam.

"For us to be a team that performs well consistently each week, individuals need to perform at a high level in every game. Some didn't and they're not playing this weekend."

Mat Luamanu, Tevita Mailau and Lachie Munro also feature in the team line-up for the first time this season.

All Blacks centre Ma'a Nonu will return from suspension against the Blues on Saturday to play in his 100th game for the Hurricanes.

This week two other players will also reach significant milestones in their careers as Hurricanes captain Andrew Hore will be starting in his 100th Super Rugby game while full-back Cory Jane earns his 50th Hurricanes cap.

Daniel Kirkpatrick starts at fly-half ahead of Aaron Cruden, who is amongst the replacements.

Back from his calf injury, Jeremy Thrush makes his return to the second row where he starts ahead of James Broadhurst.

The absence of Serge Lilo due to a knee injury means that there is a reshuffle in the back row as Jack Lam switched flanks and Faifili Levave joins the run-on side.

Piri Weepu (ankle), Karl Lowe (knee), Hosea Gear (shoulder), Rodney So'oialo (lower back) and Alapati Leiua (knee) and still on the sidelines.

Blues: 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Rene Ranger, 13 Jared Payne, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Benson Stanley, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Luke Braid, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Kurtis Haiu, 4 Anthony Boric, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keve Mealamu (c), 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements:16 Tom McCartney, 17 Tevita Mailau, 18 Filo Paulo , 19 Matt Luamanu, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Lachie Munro, 22 Sherwin Stowers.

Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Julian Savea, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Andre Taylor, 10 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 9 Chris Eaton, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Faifili Levave, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore (c), 1 John Schwalger.
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 James Broadhurst, 19 Mark Reddish, 20 Tyson Keats, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Jayden Hayward.