KEY POINTS:
The Blues routinely clicked through their selection riches while the Highlanders had to scrabble about to cover for the late withdrawal of wing Viliame Waqaseduadua from tomorrow's Super 14 game.
After a week's rest, loose forward Angus Macdonald and halfback David Gibson return to the Blues along with wing Rudi Wulf, who replaced Anthony Tuitavake when he damaged a hamstring against the Reds.
It was a seamless selection for the Blues but there was a late glitch for their opponents tomorrow at Eden Park.
Five-eighths Nick Evans was confirmed to play his first match of the tournament after suffering a small fracture near his knee in a pre-season trial game. Evans survived several torrid contact and sprint sessions this week and a kicking workout with All Blacks technician Mick Byrne, to take his place for the trip north.
Not so fortunate was Waqaseduadua, who has been unable to shake a neck injury he picked up during last week's 35-24 victory against the Stormers. His place on the left wing has gone to Craig Clare.
The Highlanders have won just once at Eden Park since the birth of Super rugby but do bring a firecracker loose forward trio headed by Craig Newby, who plays his 50th game for his franchise.
Last year the Highlanders won 20-13 at Carisbrook on the strength of their work at the breakdown, where their loose forwards won priceless turnovers or caused havoc for the visitors. If anything, they have increased their pace with Newby, Josh Blackie and Alando Soaki all quick enough to play as openside flankers.
"They'll try and attack our breakdown and try and create turnovers. That's how they beat us last year in Dunedin," Blues breakaway Daniel Braid warned.
He and Jerome Kaino are reunited with Macdonald in the loose forward combination favoured by coach David Nucifora for much of the season.
In the absence of Ali Williams, who is on All Black reconditioning duty, the Blues have stayed with the same tight five throughout the competition.
Captain Troy Flavell and Greg Rawlinson have been used as the locks and attention will once again settle on Flavell's duel with another All Black lock, James Ryan. The tussle will provide another gauge on his ability to cover lock and blindside flanker.
BLUES V HIGHLANDERS
Eden Park, 7.35pm tomorrow
BLUES
Ben Atiga
Doug Howlett
Isaia Toeava
Luke McAlister
Rudi Wulf
Isa Nacewa
David Gibson
Jerome Kaino
Daniel Braid
Angus Macdonald
Troy Flavell (c)
Greg Rawlinson
John Afoa
Derren Witcombe
S. Taumoepeau
HIGHLANDERS
Glen Horton
Lucky Mulipola
M. Saunders
Callum Bruce
Craig Clare
Nick Evans
Jimmy Cowan
Craig Newby
Alando Soakai
Josh Blackie
James Ryan
Hoani MacDonald
Chris King
Jason MacDonald
Clarke Dermody
Blues: Sam Biddles, Nick White, Anthony Boric, Justin Collins, Steve Devine, Sam Tuitupou, George Pisi.
Highlanders: David Hall, Jamie Mackintosh, Filipo Levi, Hale T-Pole, Toby Morland, Aaron Bancroft, James Wilson.
