KEY POINTS:
Blues coach David Nucifora will have a powerful engine room in the middle of his scrum and lineout after naming Ali Williams to start the Super 14 match against the Cheetahs at Eden Park on Friday.
Returning All Black Williams, a reserve last week for the match against the Chiefs, will lock the scrum with captain Troy Flavell, who missed the Chiefs match with a groin injury.
Hooker Keven Mealamu also gets his first start after being a reserve in two games since he completed the All Blacks' World Cup conditioning programme.
Winger Joe Rokocoko has also been named in the reserves after successfully testing his recovery from a sprained ankle in club action last week.
In other changes to Nucifora's front-running team from last week, Sam Tuitupou replaces an injured Luke McAlister in the midfield, while halfback Steve Devine is rotated in for David Gibson.
Jerome Kaino moves from blindside to No 8 to give Justin Collins a start at No 6 and Anthony Tuitavake comes in at left wing for Rudi Wulf.
Team:
Ben Atiga, Doug Howlett, Isaia Toeava, Sam Tuitupou, Anthony Tuitavake, Isa Nacewa, Steve Devine, Jerome Kaino, Daniel Braid, Justin Collins, Troy Flavell (captain), Ali Williams, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock
Reserves:
Derren Witcombe, Nick White, Greg Rawlinson, Angus Macdonald, David Gibson, David Holwell, Joe Rokocoko.
- NZPA
