Rieko Ioane after the Blues' loss to the Highlanders. Photo / Photosport
Rieko Ioane after the Blues' loss to the Highlanders. Photo / Photosport
Rieko Ioane's merry-go-round continues at the Blues.
Wing one minute, midfield the next; this theme goes on for the world-class finisher.
Ioane, the star All Blacks left wing, has been shifted back to second five-eighth to replace the injured TJ Faiane for Saturday's clash with the Jaguares at Eden Park.
With Sonny Bill Williams thought to be one week away from returning after wrist surgery, Ioane has been paired in another new-look midfield with Orbyn Leger.
Faiane is out for at least two weeks after spraining his ankle in last week's loss to the Highlanders.
Ioane has made no secret of his long-term quest to develop into a centre but his immediate future for the All Blacks remains on the wing, and he has struggled to adjust when thrust into the unfamiliar No 12 jersey this season.
Such is his long list of casualties, Blues coach Tana Umaga has called in former Highlanders and Bay of Plenty midfielder Terrence Hepetema as midfield cover.
This week Blues also lost All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu, who has been unwell, and Jimmy Tupou was also ruled out after suffering a knee injury at training on Thursday.
In more positive news captain Augustine Pulu makes his return from a foot complaint but only via the benchh, leaving Jonathan Ruru to retain the starting halfback role.
Gerard Cowley-Tuioti makes a timely comeback to take Tuipulotu's place in the second-row.
Sonny Bill Williams is recovering from a wrist injury. Photo / Photosport
Elsewhere Bryn Gatland appears to have paid the price for the Blues' underwhelming form after being dropped from the team altogether, paving the way for Stephen Perofeta's shift from fullback to his favoured first-five role.
That allows Matt Duffie to slot in at No 15 in a raw back three that features Tumua Manu, who scored a try off the bench in his debut last week, alongside Jordan Hyland on the right edge.
"It's not ideal we've got guys coming back which is positive but they just seem to be replacing the guys who we're losing," Umaga said. "It's a physical game and we're definitely seeing that this season.
"At the backend of that game we saw the best of Matt getting his confidence back but also in terms of communication I want someone in the middle that can give them some direction in our back three."
Umaga felt Pulu could provide some much-needed spark and guidance.
"It's a huge boost; the experience he brings, the energy and confidence he gives to others around him. Fingers crossed he gets through training."
North Harbour prop Sione Mafileo is promoted for his first start while hooker Leni Apisai comes on to the bench.
Northland's Kara Pryor will need to come through training today after a knock against the Highlanders and is bracketed with Dalton Papali'i at openside.
With 19 players out Umaga held off naming his bench until late Thursday. Depth again faces a stern test.
The Jaguares arrive after successive wins over the Rebels and Brumbies in Australia.
"We know they'll be looking at this game as an opportunity to get a Kiwi scalp over here. They'll definitely come with confidence and the way they're playing they should. We've got to execute our plan and play with confidence. It's tough when things don't go your way early but we've shown when we get our game going we can compete but it's doing that more often than not.
