Ma’a Nonu will start at outside centre for the Blues against the Crusaders in Auckland on Saturday, with Sonny Bill Williams on the bench.
Nonu left French club Toulon last year to return to New Zealand with the aim to earn selection for the All Blacks’ World Cup squad.
The 36-year-old last played Vodacom Super Rugby in 2015 for the Hurricanes, and will make his 161st appearance overall in the competition.
Nonu has played 60 minutes of rugby in pre-season, which is 60 more than Williams.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said he wasn’t surprised that Nonu had been backed to start by Blues coach Leon MacDonald.
‘Ma’a is a seasoned professional. Seeing how much of a good nick he is in, for 36 turning 37, it’s just respect to him and his professionalism.
‘He’s obviously got the knowledge, and he will make a difference with his power.’
Blues – 15 Michael Collins, 14 Melani Nanai, 13 Ma’a Nonu, 12 TJ Faiane, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Otere Black, 9 Jonathan Ruru, 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Dalton Papalii, 6 Tom Robinson, 5 Josh Goodhue, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 3 Sione Mafileo, 2 James Parsons, 1 Alex Hodgman.
Subs: 16 Matt Moulds, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 20 Matt Matich, 21 Augustine Pulu, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 Sonny Bill Williams.
Crusaders – 15 David Havili, 14 Manasa Mataele, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Whetukamokamo Douglas, 7 Matt Todd (c), 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Joe Moody.
Subs: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Tom Sanders, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Will Jordan.
