Last year's Blues Development player of the year, Melani Nanai, has earned a second start after a useful debut in South Africa as a replacement, to be joined by Frank Halai, who makes his first appearance of the season following rehabilitation from an off-season shoulder operation.
All Black Charles Piutau remains at centre and is paired in the midfield by Francis Saili.
It is a busy weekend for the organisation with several members of the Blues squad expected to be named today in Blues A team to play the Argentina Pampas at Pakuranga FRC on Friday.
The Argentine side is preparing to play in the Pacific Challenge and includes the best home-grown talent including Pumas players Manuel Montero and Tomas Cubelli as they work towards their inclusion into the Super Rugby competition next year.
Saturday afternoon will feature the Blues Secondary Schools Invitational 10s Tournament at QBE Stadium, where 16 high schools compete in the 10-a-side competition.
The competing teams are high schools from Orewa, Otahuhu, Whangarei, Papatoetoe, Aorere, Massey, Kings, Onehunga, Rangitoto, Rosmini, Mt Albert, Tangaroa, Takapuna, Westlake, De La Salle and Kelston.
The semifinals and final will be the official curtain raiser competition to be screened on Sky Television, before the Blues take on the Lions at 7.35pm.
The Blues team to play the Lions at QBE Stadium is: Lolagi Visinia, Frank Halai, Charles Piutau, Francis Saili, Melani Nanai, Ihaia West, Jimmy Cowan, Jerome Kaino (c), Luke Braid, Steven Luatua, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Bekhuis, Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu, Ofa Tu'ungafasi. Reserves: James Parsons, Sam Prattley, Angus Ta'avao, Hayden Triggs, Brendon O'Connor, Jamison Gibson-Park, Simon Hickey, Hamish Northcott.
