"We're on different paths now and there's a chance we may not play together again but we're still the best of mates."
West, 22, is stoked to get the opportunity to start for the Blues after three appearances off the bench since being called into the squad last month following a season-ending injury to Baden Kerr. The fact it will be against a side which is likely to include one of two Magpies props in Ben Franks and West's Havelock North clubmate Brendon Edmonds and hooker Ash Dixon and a team which overlooked him when the initial 2014 Super Rugby selections were made makes it "extra special."
"Hopefully I go well and prove the Hurricanes selectors wrong," West said.
Although the Blues side was made public yesterday West was told on Tuesday he would be starting so he could prepare mentally.
"Trainings have gone well this week. I'm really clear around my role and the All Blacks came back in from their camp today and are on the same page," West, who has been encouraged to stick to his natural game, said.
West's parents Simon and Shona will travel to Auckland for the game. However his girlfriend Dannielle Noanoa will be in Wellington where there is potential for her to cop some flak should West steer the Blues to an upset.
Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan said his staff has been impressed with West's calmness under fire.
"He's come in and been thrown in the deep end and said 'bring it on' so he deserves his start. We really think he could be an influential player in the future of this franchise like Simon [fellow pivot Hickey] so we've got two very good young men in our squad and it's no secret that we are looking for someone to step into that role," Kirwan said. "Both those young men have certainly put their hands up but I think with Ihaia getting a start this week we just want a little bit more attack and he'll bring that to us."
George Moala has been named on the Blues left wing ahead of Tevita Li, who has been stood down for a breach of internal team protocols, while former All Black halfback Piri Weepu, who West's father taught at Te Aute College, has overcome a groin strain to be named on the bench.
Franks is still being troubled by a groin injury and if he is ruled out Reggie Goodes will start at loosehead prop for the Canes and Edmonds will be on the subs bench. Dixon is also a doubtful starter for a match which will be Hurricanes first five-eighth Beauden Barrett's 50th for the visitors.
Teams:
Blues: Lolagi Visinia, Frank Halai, Pita Ahki, Ma'a Nonu, George Moala, Ihaia West, Bryn Hall, Jerome Kaino, Luke Braid (c), Peter Saili, Tom Donnelly, Patrick Tuipulotu, Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.
Substitutes, forwards: James Parsons, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Angus Ta'avao, Hayden Triggs, Steven Luatua. Backs: Piri Weepu, Simon Hickey, Albert Nikoro.
Hurricanes: Matt Proctor, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith (c), Alapati Leiua, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Jack Lam, Faifili Levave, James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Dane Coles, Ben Franks/Reggie Goodes.
Substitutes, forwards: Ash Dixon/Motu Matu'u, Goodes/Mike Kainga, Chris Eves, Goodes/Brendon Edmonds, Brad Shields, Ardie Savea. Backs: Chris Smylie, Tim Bateman, James Marshall.
