Muliaina locked at fullback

Mils Muliaina

A decision to bypass Mils Muliaina at centre for the Blues' next Super 12 match suggests a similar approach later this season from the All Black selectors.

The Blues have made four changes for Saturday's game against the Chiefs at Hamilton, but retained the unfamiliar midfield combination of Sam Tuitupou and Luke McAlister.

With utility Ben Atiga injured and McAlister still a rookie centre, the Blues could have moved Muliaina as they did a couple of years ago.

But their reluctance to add to changes for this weekend, and the All Black panel's aversion to the positional swap on the last tour, indicate that Muliaina is typecast as a fullback for the Lions tests.

Others looking to ink their names into that series are wing Doug Howlett and loosehead prop Tony Woodcock, who return from injury for their first games in this year's Super 12.

There are also starts for hooker Derren Witcombe and halfback Steve Devine, who missed the NPC as they recovered from serious injuries.

Witcombe is into his fourth season with the Blues and gets his chance with the decision to rest test hooker Keven Mealamu.

Two bit-part appearances this season have convinced the selectors this match is the right time to reintroduce Devine, who wrecked his knee last year.

Changes needed to be made after the struggle to beat the Reds at Eden Park in the last round.

There will be no complacency from the Blues after that ordeal and while their next opponents, the Chiefs, have yet to win this season, it was only a year ago that they travelled to Eden Park and embarrassed the home side.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs, who name their side today, hope to have midfield choices for their first home match. Keith Lowen, Mark Ranby and Grant McQuoid are all reported to be recovering from injury.

Lowen said good communication had been emphasised at training this week after the defensive mishaps in the backline against the Crusaders.

"It was quite hard knowing what each other was doing and we were going in ones and twos instead of a whole unit on both attack and defence," he said.

"We didn't think we were outclassed at all down there but we made mistakes we don't usually make."

Lowen said the Chiefs would have to win individual battles if they were to beat a Blues side stacked with class players.

"We can't give them any space, basically, because any bit of space their backs find they'll sniff out and punish you."

* Blues vs Chiefs, Waikato Stadium, 7.35pm Saturday

Blues

Mils Muliaina, Doug Howlett, Luke McAlister, Sam Tuitupou, Joe Rokocoko, Carlos Spencer, Steve Devine, Xavier Rush (c), Daniel Braid, Angus MacDonald, Ali Williams, Greg Rawlinson, John Afoa, Derren Witcombe, Tony Woodcock

Reserves:

Keven Mealamu, Taufa'ao Filise, Bradley Mika, Justin Collins, David Gibson, Tasesa Lavea, Isa Nacewa.