Rugby: Alex Hodgman back but no James Parsons or Rieko Ioane for Blues

Rieko Ioane and Sonny Bill Williams. Photo / Photosport

The Blues welcome back prop Alex Hodgman from a long-term injury for their match against the Rebels at Eden Park on Saturday, but are without hooker James Parsons and might be missing Sonny Bill Williams too.

Hooker Parsons hasn't recovered from the head knock suffered against the Crusaders following a high tackle from Owen Franks, and second-five Williams has been bracketed after suffering what the Blues have described as a "knock" at the All Blacks training camp in Christchurch at the start of the week.

Williams has been bracketed with Bay of Plenty's Terrence Hepetema.

As expected, Rieko Ioane is being rested due to the All Blacks rest protocol ahead of next weekend's first test against France.

The Blues team to play the Rebels at Eden Park on Saturday, kick-off 5.15pm is:

15. Michael Collins, 14. Matt Duffie, 13. Orbyn Leger, 12. Sonny Bill Williams or Terrence Hepetema, 11. Tumua Manu, 10. Stephen Perofeta, 9. Augustine Pulu (c); 8. Akira Ioane, 7. Dalton Papali'i, 6. Jerome Kaino, 5. Matiaha Martin, 4. Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 3. Ofa Tuungafasi, 2. Matt Moulds, 1. Alex Hodgman.

Reserves: 16. Leni Apisai, 17. Pauliasi Manu, 18. Sione Mafileo, 19. Ben Nee-Nee, 20. Sione Havili, 21. Jonathan Ruru, 22. Bryn Gatland, 23 TJ Faiane or Terrence Hepetema.