Stanley knifes into the Blues midfield

Rising young Auckland star Benson Stanley has won the nod to partner Isaia Toeava in the Blues midfield for Saturday night's hotly anticipated Super 14 kickoff clash against the Chiefs on Eden Park.

The 23-year-old will make his first Super 14 appearance in the match, running out in the No 12 jersey in what is a major show of faith from coach David Nucifora.

There had been some speculation in the leadup that Nucifora would move Toeava into second five and partner him with Anthony Tuitavake in the midfield, allowing either Rudi Wulf or the promising David Smith to start on the right wing.

But Nucifora has strongly endorsed Stanley's claims to the second five spot, enabling him to leave All Black Toeava at centre where he did so much damage for the Blues through last year's Super 14.

North Harbour speedster Tuitavake wins selection on the right wing, while the other major selection surprise sees Danny Lee named as the starting halfback, with outstanding young Auckland prospect Taniela Moa coming off the bench.

Up front veteran Justin Collins shades former sevens star Onosa'i Tololima-Auva'a for the No 7 jersey in the absence of Daniel Braid who won't be available for the Blues until the fifth round as he rehabilitates his shoulder.

Skipper Troy Flavell has shrugged off his foot injury to take his place in the second row where he's partnered by Kurtis Haiu who wins his ninth cap after sitting out last year's campaign.

BLUES: 15 Isa Nacewa, 14 Anthony Tuitavake, 13 Isaia Toeava, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Nick Evans, 9 Danny Lee; 8 Nick Williams, 7 Justin Collins, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Troy Flavell (capt), 4 Kurtis Haiu, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock. Reserves: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Nick White, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Onosa'i Tololima-Auva'a, 20 Taniela Moa, 21 Ben Atiga, 22 Rudi Wulf.

- © Fairfax NZ News