Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan has named a Super Rugby team with 4 changes to the side that lost to the Chiefs for this week’s clash against the Brumbies at Eden Park.

3 Of the Blues 4 changes are in the forwards, as James Parsons comes in to replace Keven Mealamu at hooker and Patrick Tuipulotu replaces Hayden Triggs.

There will be blazer games (20 matches) for Patrick Tuipulotu and Ofa Tu’ungafasi with Sam Prattley playing off the bench.

On the flank the recently re-signed Steven Luatua is rotated to the bench and Luke Braid takes over at No 6. When Steven Luatua comes off the bench it will be his 44th game for the Blues.

Kirwan has opted for 2 openside loose forwards to start against the speedy Brumbies loosies.

In the backs Dan Bowden retains the starting No 10 jersey for the 3rd week but Melani Nanai replaces Tevita Li on the wing.

The only players not considered for selection were halfback Bryn Hall on long term recovery, while both fullback Lolagi Visinia and All Black prop Tony Woodcock have a further week off recovering from head knocks.

Jimmy Cowan is on paternity leave as his partner is expecting the birth of their 2nd child.

The match will be the Blues 1st match at Eden Park this year as it was out of action as a host venue for the Cricket World Cup.

Last year the Blues won 5 of their 7 matches at Eden Park.

Blues: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Frank Halai, 13 Pita Ahki, 12 George Moala, 11 Melani Nanai, 10 Dan Bowden, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jerome Kaino (Captain), 7 Brendon O’Connor, 6 Luke Braid, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Charlie Faimuina, 2 James Parsons, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Sam Prattley, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Hayden Triggs, 20 Steven Luatua, 21 Jamie Booth, 22 Ihaia West, 23 Francis Saili.

Date: Friday 10 April
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-Off: 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 17:35 AEST, 07:35 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Lees
Assistant Referees: Nick Briant, Brendon Pickerill
TMO: Ben Skeen