Some shape to the Blues squad of 2012 is starting to emerge with another 11 players having their first start of the year in Saturday's pre-season clash with the Rebels in Melbourne on Saturday.
Leading the way are returning All Blacks lock Ali Williams and fullback Isaia Toeava.
But even more interest could centre on two players who missed much of last season's campaign due to injuries, lock Liaki Moli who had shoulder problems and flanker Daniel Braid who had a nneck injury.
Piri Weepu will play at first five-eighths in his first outing for the side and will be paired with Alby Mathewson.
In the loose forwards Braid will have All Black Jerome Kaino, playing at No.8 and Chris Lowrey at his side.
Coach Pat Lam said: "A key focus for us in this game is re-introducing the players who are coming back from injury or extended breaks, such as Piri, Ali, Isaia and Liaki. Most of these guys should get around 40 minutes.
"If we are going to try Piri at 10 now is the time to do it and we'll see how he goes. Michael Hobbs and Gareth Anscombe both did well at 10 last week so now it is a chance for Piri."
The side is: 1.Tevita Mailau, 2.Tom McCartney, 3.Charlie Faumuina, 4.Liaki Moli, 5.Ali Williams, 6.Chris Lowrey, 7.Daniel Braid, 8.Jerome Kaino (captain), 9.Alby Mathewson, 10.Piri Weepu, 11.Sherwin Stowers, 12.Michael Hobbs, 13.Rene Ranger, 14.David Raikuna, 15.Isaia Toeava.
Reserves: Benson Stanley, Hadleigh Parkes, Lachie Munro, Rudi Wulf, Gareth Anscombe, Angus Ta'avao, Teofilo Paulo, Anthony Boric, Brad Mika, James Parsons, Dan Pryor, Peter Saili.