The NSW Waratahs' chances of knocking over Super Rugby Pacific's ladder-leading Blues have soared after the visitors named a raw and much-changed team.
Young loose forward Anton Segner is the only starting player retained for Saturday night's final-round match at Leichhardt Oval from the powerful side that began last weekend's last-gasp win over the Brumbies.
Eight of the players named took no part in that match.
The likes of All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett and impressive league convert Roger Tuivasa-Scheck are staying behind in Auckland along with skipper Dalton Papalii and other first-choice players.
It appears a sensible move by the Blues to rest players and avoid risk of injury ahead of the quarter-finals with top spot already locked down following a run of 12 straight wins, and it certainly boosts the Waratahs' chances of rising from sixth.
But it is sure to disappoint young Waratahs five eighth Tane Edmed who was hoping for the chance to go up against Barrett after the Crusaders rested their All Blacks playmaker, Richie Mounga, when the Tahs toppled them.
Blues coach Leon MacDonald is adamant it is no slight on the much-improved Waratahs.
"We are in no way disrespecting our opposition," said MacDonald.
"We have a very healthy respect for the Waratahs and believe we have named a team able to perform to our standards against them.
"One of our major strengths this season has been the quality of our young players who have been fronting every week in training.
"We have had limited chances to see them under pressure in a game situation, and prepare for any potential injuries.
"We also lost our bye week and we have asked a lot of the guys in recent weeks and they have delivered in spades."
The Blues still have a seasoned look to their front five with All Black Nepo Laulala and Samoan international Jordan Lay to start with hooker Ricky Riccitelli in the front row, while Josh Goodhue returns from injury to partner stand-in captain Luke Romano in the locks.
But the backline will have a very unfamiliar look to Tahs fans.
Talented rookie Jock McKenzie takes over from Barrett at five eighth in his first starting role with Corey Evans, Tamati Tua, AJ Lam, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Zarn Sullivan outside him.
Blues: Zarn Sullivan, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Tamati Tua, Corey Evans, AJ Lam, Jock McKenzie, Sam Nock; Taine Plumtree, Adrian Choat, Anton Segner, Josh Goodhue, Luke Romano (capt), Nepo Laulala, Ricky Riccitelli, Jordan Lay. Reserves: Soane Vikena, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Marcel Renata, Sam Darry, Cameron Suafoa, Akira Ioane, Taufa Funaki, Nigel Ah Wong.
