Otere Black will start at flyhalf when the Blues host the Stormers in Auckland this Saturday, while Sonny Bill Williams returns to the bench.
Black comes in for Harry Plumber in one of two changes to the Blues’ starting lineup. Up front, co-captain Patrick Tuipulotu returns at lock, replacing the injured Josh Goodhue.
Williams is also back in the match 23, but will play off the bench after missing last weekend’s clash against the Highlanders due to compassionate leave. As a result, Ma’a Nonu continues at 12.
Blues – 15 Melani Nanai, 14 Tanielu Tele’a, 13 TJ Faiane, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Otere Black, 9 Jonathan Ruru, 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Blake Gibson (co-c), 6 Tom Robinson, 5 Gerard Cowley-Tuiotiv, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (co-c), 3 Sione Mafileo, 2 James Parsons, 1. Alex Hodgman.
Subs: 16 Matt Moulds, 17 Ofa Tuungafasi, 18 Karl Tu’inukuafe i, 19 Scott Scrafton, 20 Dalton Papalii, 21 Augustine Pulu, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 Sonny Bill Williams.
Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
