Keven Mealamu

Keven Mealamu has been handed the Blues’ captaincy in the absence of regular skipper Jerome Kaino.

The veteran hooker, Mealamu, will lead the team out against the Crusaders in a Super Rugby Round 11 clash in Christchurch on Saturday.

Kaino has been given time out, as part of an agreement with the All Black management, after playing in 8 of the Blues’ 9 games.

He will be joined on the sidelines by fellow All Blacks James Parsons and Charles Piutau, who get their 1st break.

On the flipside props Tony Woodcock and Charlie Faumuina will join Mealamu in an all-All Black front row – boasting 260 Test caps and 383 Super Rugby games collectively between them.

Steven Luatua returns to play at No 8, with teenager Akira Ioane given a 2nd game after his impressive debut last week.

Jimmy Cowan returns to start at scrumhalf, with Lolagi Visinia at fullback.

Players not considered because of injury include Patrick Tuipulotu (leg injury) and Pita Ahki (hamstring injury), both likely to be out for 2 weeks.

Northland hooker Matt Moulds comes on to the bench and he will be looking to make his debut.

Blues: 15 Lolagi Visinia, 14 Frank Halai, 13 Francis Saili, 12 George Moala, 11 Melani Nanai, 10 Dan Bowden, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Steven Luatua, 7 Brendon O’Connor, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Hayden Triggs, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Keven Mealamu (Captain), 1 Tony Woodcock
Replacements: 16 Matt Moulds, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Culum Retallick, 20 Blake Gibson, 21 Jamison Gibson-Park, 22 Ihaia West, 23 Tevita Li.

Date: Saturday 25 April
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-Off: 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 07:35 GMT)
Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Glen Jackson (New Zealand), Jamie Nutbrown (New Zealand)
TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)

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