The Blues have given former Melbourne Storm NRL player Tasesa Lavea the nod as five-eighth in their Super 14 rugby season-opener against the Western Force in Perth on Friday night.

Lavea, returning to the Auckland-based franchise after two seasons with the Chiefs, gets the No.10 jersey ahead of former Hurricane Jimmy Gopperth.

However, Gopperth is likely to play some part in the match, with new coach Pat Lam indicating that all 22 players named in the squad would get a run because of the heat.

Lam has resisted rushing Josh Blackie into the side, the flanker having joined up with the Blues in Perth after completing two seasons in Japan.

Six of the squad named have yet to play Super rugby - winger Rene Ranger and No.8 Chris Lowrey in the starting 15; and forwards Charlie Faumuina, Dean Budd and Peter Saili, and back Jamie Helleur in the reserves.

Gopperth and fullback Paul Williams, a former Highlander, will be making their first appearances for the Blues.

Blues: Paul Williams, Anthony Tuitavake, Isaia Toeava, Benson Stanley, Rene Ranger, Tasesa Lavea, Taniela Moa, Chris Lowrey, Onosa'i Auva'a, Justin Collins, Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock. Res: Tom McCartney, Charlie Faumuina, Dean Budd, Peter Saili, Chris Smiley, Jimmy Gopperth, Jamie Helleur.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP