Benji Marshall will make his first Super Rugby start for the Blues when they take on the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

The rugby league convert will line up at fullback in a Blues side featuring five changes to the one that lost to the Bulls last weekend.

Charles Piutau moves from fullback to wing to accommodate the injection of Marshall as youngster Tevita Li drops out of the side.

After adding plenty of spark and scoring a try on debut last week, Pita Ahki is rewarded with a start at inside centre in place of Jackson Willison who moves to the bench, while Chris Noakes replaces Simon Hickey at flyhalf.

Blues – 15 Benji Marshall, 14 Frank Halai, 13 George Moala, 12 Pita Ahki, 11 Charles Piutau, 10 Chris Noakes, 9 Piri Weepu , 8 Steven Luatua, 7 Luke Braid, 6 Brendon O'Connor, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 James Parsons, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Subs: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Sam Prattley, 18, Angus Ta'avao, 19 Liaki Moli, 20 Jordan Manihera, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Simon Hickey, 23 Jackson Willison.

Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images