Rieko Ioane, the Blues' hat-trick hero against the Rebels, was originally slated to play on the wing rather than his preferred centre position, but his standout performance in Melbourne has made it virtually impossible for coach Tana Umaga to move him. He's taken his with two hands - he wants to be a centre, so he's put the pressure on us as coaches to select him. A solid outing will almost certainly see him starting the Blues' round three match against the Highlanders at Eden Park. The Blues team to play the Chiefs at Waikato Stadium on Friday, kick-off: 7.35pm is: Michael Collins, Matt Duffie, Rieko Ioane, Piers Francis, Melani Nanai, Ihaia West, Augustine Pulu, Akira Ioane, Blake Gibson, Steven Luatua, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Jimmy Tupou (c), Sione Mafileo, Matt Moulds, Pauliasi Manu. Reserves: Hame Faiva, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Charlie Faumuina, Patrick Tuipulotu, Jerome Kaino, Billy Guyton, George Moala, Rene Ranger.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 01, 2017 00:33 UTC