Blues v Waratahs: Teams

The Blues will put out a new-look backline on Friday as they attempt to correct their defensive problems and get their season back on track in a crucial clash against the Waratahs at Eden Park.

After last week's hugely disappointing loss to the Chiefs, Blues head coach Pat Lam has made a raft of changes with Isaia Toeava moving from full-back to centre to partner Jamie Helleur who, in turn, has replaced Michael Hobbs in the number twelve jersey.

Paul Williams returns to his favoured position of full-back, while Anthony Tuitavake shifts to the wing to replace Rene Ranger, who drops to the bench.

All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock is still suffering from an ear infection and will not feature in the starting 22, so Tevita Mailau starts his third consecutive game at prop.

Justin Collins is another injury victim and his failure to overcome a hamstring strain sees Onosa'i Auva'a promoted to the starting line-up with Peter Saili on the bench.

Halangahu in for Waratahs

Waratahs head coach Chris Hickey has handed fly-half Daniel Halangahu a first start in almost two years, with first-choice Kurtley Beale named on the bench.

Beale has been cleared to play by doctors following a bout of tonsillitis, but has not been risked from the start by Hickey.

There are further changes in the pack, Dan Palmer claims a starting berth at tighthead prop after overcoming a virus, with Sekope Kepu set to take part in his first Super 14 match for 2009 from the bench.

In the second row, Hickey has plumped for Dean Mumm and Will Caldwell allowing Ben Mowen to return to the starting line-up as blindside flanker.

Chris Thomson moves on to the bench alongside Luke Doherty who will play his 50th provincial match if he takes the field.

"We've had a fairly good idea with the way we wanted to go to take on the Blues, but injury and illness have had an effect on selection and travel," Hickey explained.

"It's good that Dan [Palmer] and Kurtley [Beale] have shown they're coming through their illnesses - we wouldn't put them out there if we didn't think they could give us what we need.

"Daniel Halangahu gets an opportunity to start which I know he's looking forward to. Daniel has been knocking on the door throughout the pre-season and the opening rounds of the competition, and he has a real opportunity to perform."

Blues: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Anthony Tuitavake, 13 Isaia Toeava, 12 Jamie Helleur, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Taniela Moa, 8 Jerome Kaino, 7 Onosai'i Auva'a, 6 Chris Lowrey, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Kurtis Haiu, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (c), 1 Tevita Mailau
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Charlie Faumunia, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Peter Saili, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Michael Hobbs, 22 Rene Ranger

Waratahs: 15 Sam Norton-Knight, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Tom Carter, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Daniel Halangahu, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Phil Waugh (c), 6 Ben Mowen, 5 Will Caldwell, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Dan Palmer, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson
Replacements: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Sekope Kepu, 18 Chris Thomson, 19 Luke Doherty, 20 Brett Sheehan, 21 Kurtley Beale, 22 Timana Tahu