Luke Braid returns from injury to captain the Blues against the Sharks at QBE Stadium on Friday night (kick-off 7.35pm).

When the Blues run on to the field on Friday night for their round fifteen Investec Super Rugby match against the Sharks it will feature an entire squad of ënew names’ ñ complete unknowns.

Seven Blues players have been selected to attend the All Blacks training camps ahead of the three Steinlager Series Tests against England.

The Blues’ poor away record continued as they slumped to a 32-20 defeat to defending champions the Chiefs at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth on Friday night.

Blues doctor Stephen Kara has confirmed fullback Charles Piutau suffered a grade two medial ligament strain to his left knee in last night’s match against the Chiefs.

In an exciting backline brimming with x-factor and talent, the Blues will be relying on Ma’a Nonu’s steadying influence to get them over the line against reigning champions the Chiefs in New Plymouth tonight.

Five Blues players are taking a leading role in this years’ 40 Hour Famine as they front ëTeam Blue’ in the annual World Vision fundraiser.

Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan has made just one injury-enforced change to the starting XV for Friday’s match against reigning champions the Chiefs at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth (kick-off 7.35pm).

The Blues’ midfield stocks have taken a hit with both Francis Saili and Jackson Willison sidelined for extended periods of time.

The Blues produced their finest performance of the season to thrash the hapless Reds 44-14 at Eden Park tonight.

The Blues Development team has made it a clean sweep against their Chiefs counterparts with a 26-15 victory last night at the Papatoetoe Rugby Club.

Lolagi Visinia has recorded his third start in as many weeks tonight and is hoping to build on some already impressive performances.