Kerr has broken his thumb, Marshall has not grasped the game enough to start and Noakes has been cast aside after an opening game where he had a kick charged down for a try, was bent back on defence and missed three penalties.
Promoting Hickey was a shock. He has some game and those who have watched his progress say he will not be overawed. Hickey and Piri Weepu combined for Auckland but finding the tempo with the rest of the Blues backline tonight as Richie McCaw, Kieran Read and Co hunt for victims will be a very different task.
Hickey communicates well and that will be crucial with his looseforwards, Jackson Willison, George Moala and Tevita Li in the backs. He plays flat on attack and has enough speed and confidence to challenge any drifting defensive screens while his tactical kicking game is tidy enough and his goal kicking success rate is strong. "I've got complete faith in him and he's ready," says coach Sir John Kirwan.
Since Carlos Spencer, the Blues have struggled to find a five-eighths with class and solidity. If Hickey is the business, he has oodles of time to nail his imprint.
•The Blues and New Zealand Rugby have re-signed Blues coach Kirwan and assistant Grant Doorey for 2015.
