Blues named for Rebels, Mathewson and Weepu in the halves

Blues head coach Pat Lam has eleven players making their first start of the year when the team meets the Rebels in a pre-season match in Melbourne on Saturday night (kick-off 7.30pm Aust time).

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All Blacks, Isaia Toeava and Ali Williams return to the fold with Toeava starting at fullback and Williams in his traditional No.5 jersey. Joining Williams will be the much-welcomed return of lock, Liaki Moli. A shoulder injury and surgery kept Moli off the field for the duration of last year’s Blues season and most of Auckland’s campaign.

The same can be said for Daniel Braid whose on-field time was minimal in 2011 due to injury. This weekend he is in the starting line-up but his brother Luke Braid is still not fit to play.

“A key focus for us in this game is re-introducing the players who are coming back from injury or extended breaks such as Piri, Ali, Isaia and Liaki,” says Lam. “Most of these guys should get around 40 minutes.”

Playing his first match for the year, new recruit Piri Weepu will start at first five-eighths, teaming up with Alby Mathewson in the halfback position.

“If we’re going to try Piri at 10, now is the time to do it and we’ll see how he goes. Michael Hobbs and Gareth Anscombe both did well at 10 last week so now it’s a chance for Piri,” says Lam

In typical pre-season style, a number of reserves are on the bench and several substitutions are expected.

The Blues team to play the Rebels 

1. Tevita Mailau
2. Tom McCartney
3. Charlie Faumuina
4. Liaki Moli
5. Ali WIlliams
6. Chris Lowrey
7. Daniel Braid
8. Jerome Kaino ©
9. Alby Mathewson
10. Piri Weepu
11. Sherwin Stowers
12. Michael Hobbs
13. Rene Ranger
14. David Raikuna
15. Isaia Toeava


RESERVES

Benson Stanley
Hadleigh PArkes
Lachie Munro
Rudi Wulf
Gareth Anscombe
Angus Ta’avao
Teofilo Paulo
Anthony Boric
Brad Mika
James Parsons
Dan Pryor
Peter Saili