Blues to tackle Rebels with new-look pack

Feb 21, 2017 - 3:10 AM A new-look front five will feature for the Blues in their Super Rugby opener against the Rebels in Melbourne on Thursday.

Although there's only 19 Blues caps between them, two are proven performers, with prop Pauliasi Manu and new captain Jimmy Tupou boasting 91 Super Rugby appearances between them.

Manu, returning to the Blues after four years at the Chiefs, anchors the scrum alongside North Harbour prop Sione Mafileo and Northland captain Matt Moulds.

Tupou, with 37 appearances for the Crusaders, takes over the reins as captain in his first outing for the Blues.

Coach Tana Umaga is looking for a go-forward platform from his pack to provide a foundation for a young backline headed by halfback Augustine Pulu also makes his Blues debut after collecting 51 caps for the Chiefs.

Ihaia West, Piers Francis, Melani Nanai and Matt Duffie were backline regulars last year, while young All Black Rieko Ioane starts in his preferred spot at centre and Otago's Michael Collins will make his Super Rugby debut at fullback.

Umaga says the Blues are expecting the Rebels to come out firing.

"What we learned from last year was they didn't do so well in the pre-season but they won three of their first four games, so we're under no illusions how difficult for us it's going to be over there," he said.

The Blues won't be at full strength, with Sonny Bill Williams among those not considered for selection as he continues his recovery from a ruptured achilles suffered at the Rio Olympics.

James Parsons, Jerome Kaino and Patrick Tuipulotu are also among those not on Umaga's selection list, while three All Blacks will take their place on the bench: Charlie Faumuina, George Moala and the explosive Rene Ranger, back after a long-term knee injury.

Despite missing some big names, the Blues will still present a real threat on Thursday, Umaga said.

"We're very happy with where we're at - this group are pretty committed to starting well and doing well.

"They know there's a lot of competition and a lot of people coming back that have got some reputations, so they want to put their best foot forward."

Blues: Michael Collins, Matt Duffie, Rieko Ioane, Piers Francis, Melani Nanai, Ihaia West, Augustine Pulu, Akira Ioane, Blake Gibson, Steven Luatua, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Jimmy Tupou, Sione Mafileo, Matt Moulds, Pauliasi Manu.

Reserves: Hame Faiva, Sam Prattley, Charlie Faumuina, Scott Scrafton, Murphy Taramai, Sam Nock, George Moala, Rene Ranger.

Source: AAP