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A returning trio of new fathers and some welcome news on the injury front has boosted the Blues' spirits ahead of their Super 14 rugby match against the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday morning (NZ time).
Winger Joe Rokocoko, halfback Taniela Moa and flanker Jerome Kaino will start at Newlands, adding some firepower to a side hammered 59-26 by the Bulls in Pretoria last weekend.
All three arrived late in South Africa after being on hand for the births of their first children in Auckland.
Their return couldn't come soon enough for coach Pat Lam and his battered men.
"It's awesome for them to be first-time dads and to get over here," Lam said.
"They're excited to be here and we're pleased they're here too."
All Blacks winger Rokocoko starts ahead of the impressive Rene Ranger on the right wing.
Ranger was suspended for one match for a dangerous tackle against the Bulls although he would have been in doubt after suffering an eye socket injury that forced him to drive from Pretoria to Cape Town rather than fly with his teammates.
Moa starts in place of Chris Smylie while Kaino comes in at No 8 for Chris Lowrey, who is bracketed at lock with Kurtis Haiu.
Haiu suffered a head knock against the Bulls and is still being assessed.
The other four members of the tight five are All Blacks, with prop Tony Woodcock having overcome a hamstring twinge while captain and hooker Keven Mealamu's sore calf hasn't prevented selection.
Classy fullback Isaia Toeava is also named after being in doubt with a knee knock.
There are two other starting changes, with Tasesa Lavea restored at first five-eighth ahead of Jimmy Gopperth.
Lavea started in the opening win over the Western Force in Perth while Gopperth struggled somewhat when handed the playmaking role against the dominant Bulls.
"We said from the beginning we'd give them both opportunities," Lam said.
"It's the person who takes their chances the most, once we get home and get into it, that person will take control.
"It's neck and neck between the two of them."
After a painful review of last week's embarrassment at altitude, Lam has called for a more co-ordinated defensive effort and increased desperation to get back in support of Toeava.
He identified loose forwards Luke Watson and Schalk Burger, halfback Ricky Januarie and second five-eighth Jean de Villiers as the heartbeat of a Stormers team who share the same one win-one loss record.
"There's a lot of quality in their side and huge support here in Cape Town. It's certainly a rugby town," Lam said.
"The heat will be a big factor again but at least there's oxygen, which is good."
It is the third straight home game for the Stormers.
Veteran Springbok Percy Montgomery replaces the injured Conrad Jantjes at fullback in the only change from the side who beat the Queensland Reds 27-24 last weekend.
Montgomery last started for the Stormers at Newlands in 2002, having left later that year for Wales and linking with the Sharks when he returned to South Africa.
Blues
Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko, Anthony Tuitavake, Jamie Helleur, Paul Williams, Tasesa Lavea, Taniela Moa, Jerome Kaino, Josh Blackie, Justin Collins, Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiu/Chris Lowrey, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, Lowrey/Dean Budd, Peter Saili, Chris Smylie, Michael Hobbs, Winston Stanley.
Stormers
Percy Montgomery, Tonderai Chavhanga, Gcobani Bobo, Jean de Villiers (captain), Sireli Naqelevuki, Peter Grant, Ricky Januarie, Luke Watson, Duane Vermeulen, Schalk Burger, Andries Bekker, Adriaan Fondse, Brian Mujati, Schalk Brits, JD Moller.
Reserves: Deon Fourie, Wicus Blaauw. AJ Venter, Francois Louw, Bolla Conradie, Nick Koster, Willem de Waal.
- NZPA
