Super 14: Blues team to face chiefs in pre-season

A host of All Blacks will return to bolster the Blues when they face the Chiefs at North Harbour Stadium on Friday in their second pre-season match.

Captain Keven Mealamu and vice-captain Ali Williams will both don the Blues jersey for the first time this year after overcoming lengthy injuries, while fellow All Blacks Luke McAlister, John Afoa and Isaia Toeava will also make their first appearances for the Blues in 2010.

After defeating the Hurricanes 19-17 in Mangatainoka last week, Blues coach Pat Lam said he was looking for his team to build on its performance and to introduce a number of his key All Blacks back into the fold.

"It's another step up on Friday," Lam said.

"The team has some All Blacks coming back this week so again there are a few changes and a it's a chance to build on our first game.

"Joe, Keven, Ali and Isaia have been here the whole time so it's been an easy transition for them. It's been a bit more difficult for John Afoa, Jerome Kaino, Anthony Boric and Luke McAlister because they've only just started coming back in so we'll see how that pans out."

Team: Isaia Toeava, Rene Ranger, Benson Stanley, Luke McAlister, Joe Rokocoko, Stephen Brett, Alby Mathewson, Viliame Ma'afu, Serge Lilo, Peter Saili, Ali Williams, Kurtis Haiu, Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu (captain), John Afoa. Reserves: Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, Anthony Boric, Jerome Kaino, Chris Smylie, Dan Kirkpatrick, George Pisi, Tom Chamberlain.

- NZPA