The Blues have been boosted by a trio of returning All Blacks as they return to Eden Park to face the Waratahs.
Alex Hodgman, Patrick Tuipulotu and Dalton Papalii have recovered from injuries, slated to return to action via the bench.
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Ofa Tuungafasi slots into start at tighthead prop with Nepo Laulala set to be rested as he mends an ankle injury.
With Caleb Clarke set to play in the curter-raiser as part of the Sevens showdown against Australia, exciting New Zealand Under-20s outside back Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens will make his debut from the bench.
Meanwhile, the Waratahs have opted to blood exciting winger James Turner for the trip to Auckland.
Turner, who was the Shute Shield top try scorer in 2020, comes into the side for Mark Nawaqanitawase.
“James has been outstanding in the Shute Shield this season for Norths and deserves his selection,” co-coach Jason Gilmore said.
“We brought him into the squad last week and he has been just as impressive on the training field. We’ve got a lot of faith in him and are excited to see what he can do in Super Rugby."
Wallaby Jack Dempsey returns from injury via the bench, recovering from a foot complaint that has kept him out since Round Five.
BLUES (1-15): Karl Tu'inukuafe, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tuungafasi, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Josh Goodhue, Tom Robinson (c), Blake Gibson, Akira Ioane, Finlay Christie, Otere Black, AJ Lam, TJ Faiane, Rieko Ioane, Bryce Heem, Zarn Sullivan
Reserves: Soane Vikena, Alex Hodgman, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu, Dalton Papalii, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
INs: Alex Hodgman, Patrick Tuipulotu, Dalton Papalii, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Blake Gibson.
OUTs: Nepo Laulala, Adrian Choat, Hoskins Sotutu, Jacob Pierce, Akira Ioane, Mark Telea
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, David Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Hugh Sinclair, Max Douglas, Lachie Swinton, Charlie Gamble, Will Harris, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, James Turner, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Alex Newsome, Jack Maddocks
Reserves: Joe Cotton, Tetera Faulkner, Darcy Breen, Jack Whetton, Jack Dempsey, Carlo Tizzano, Jack Grant, Will Harrison
INs: Jack Dempsey, James Turner, Jack Whetton
OUTs: Tepai Moeroa, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jeremy Williams
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