All Blacks midfielder George Moala might make an earlier than expected return from injury to Super Rugby with the Blues.
Moala damaged elbow ligaments in the third Test against Wales and was expected to miss the rest of the Super Rugby season, but has been bracketed on bench for the clash with the Waratahs at Eden Park.
Fellow All Black Charlie Faumuina's also been bracketed in the reserves as the tighthead prop recovers from a knee injury.
Coach Tana Umaga has named the same starting side for a third straight game as the Blues look to finish the season on a high note.
"We may have missed out on the playoffs but our focus from the start of the season has been to work hard and improve every match," said Umaga.
"It will be a fierce game because the Waratahs have so much to play for, so if we do not come with the right preparation and right attitude, we will be in trouble."
Captain James Parsons shares the front row with All Black Ofa Tu'ungafasi, with the pair among six Blues players who have played in every game this season.
Loose forward Steven Luatua joins winger Tevita Li as the only players to have started in every game this season, with the inside pairing of Bryn Hall and Ihaia West also set to play in every game, either starting or off the bench.
Blues team: 15. Melani Nanai, 14. Matt Duffie, 13. Male Sa'u, 12. Piers Francis, 11. Tevita Li, 10. Ihaia West, 9. Bryn Hall, 8. Steven Luatua, 7. Kara Pryor, 6. Jerome Kaino, 5. Josh Bekhuis, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu, 3. Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 2. James Parsons, 1. Sam Prattley.
Reserves: Matt Moulds, Nic Mayhew, Sione Mafileo/Charlie Faumuina, Scott Scrafton, Blake Gibson, Billy Guyton, Matt Vaega/George Moala, Lolagi Visinia.
Newshub.
