Keven Mealamu will make his first appearance of the year for the Blues when they take on the Highlanders in their final pre-season match at Unitec on Friday afternoon (kick-off 2.00pm)

Piri Weepu will get his first opportunity to don the Blues jersey and marshal the backline from first five-eighths on Saturday when the Blues take on the Rebels in Melbourne.

In this week’s Windback Wednesday we look back on a match that Sir Graham Henry often talks about as being one of the most pivotal, not only in Blues history but also his own.

After sitting out a two match suspension Blues loose forward Jerome Kaino is fizzing to get back onto the field and make amends for his enforced layoff.

Despite his wish to play first five-eighth for the Hurricanes, new All Black Luke McAlister has been earmarked for a leading midfield role with the Blues.

The following players have been selected in the Blues team for the 2005 Rebel Sport Super 12.