Rugby: Blues ring the changes for Chiefs game

All Black Ofa Tu'ungafasi returns for the Blues. Photo / Photosport

The Blues have ushered in their All Blacks contingent to face the Chiefs and made a critical change at halfback to try to inject flow into their game.

Prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi returns at tighthead prop after a mandatory week off to appease the national selectors and Matt Duffie will be on the right wing should he come through Thursday's training without any issues.

Kara Pryor has been selected at openside for the first time this year and the Northlander will be asked to make his presence felt at the breakdown and get on the ball quicker than the Blues managed last week against the Sharks.

TJ Faiane starts at second-five, allowing Rieko Ioane to push out to his preferred role at centre with the powerful George Moala on the wing.

But perhaps the most significant change is the selection of Jonathan Ruru to start at halfback. He was picked in that role last week, but coach Tana Umaga had a change of heart as kick-off approaches and returned Sam Nock to the No 9 jersey, injecting Ruru from the bench.

Ruru, when he did come on against the Sharks, brought dynamism and pace and had a positive impact on the Blues' attack.

That cameo effort has won him the start, but he and the rest of the squad have been focusing on fixing their defence this week.

"We let ourselves down with our team defence," says coach Tana Umaga. "The boys all realise that and have come in this week with a determined attitude. Last year we were developing into a strong team defensive unit and we must get back to that level.

"We also need to be more disciplined. You can't give away kickable penalties like we did last week.

"We want to be solid and aggressive in our team defence and in the contact areas and show more patience with the ball. Our aim is to improve our performances every week from here in which is a challenge to the squad individually and collectively as a team."

Blues team to play the Chiefs:

1. Pauliasi Manu, 2. James Parsons (c), 3. Ofa Tuungafasi, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu, 5. Josh Goodhue, 6. Jerome Kaino, 7. Kara Pryor, 8. Akira Ioane; 9. Jonathan Ruru, 10. Stephen Perofeta, 11. George Moala, 12. TJ Faiane, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Matt Duffie/Jordan Hyland,15. Michael Collins.

Reserves: 16. Matt Moulds, 17. Ross Wright, 18. Mike Tamoaieta, 19. Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 20. Dalton Papalii, 21. Sam Nock, 22. Bryn Gatland, 23. Orbyn Leger.