Blues hand maiden start for Perofeta against Lions

Blues head coach Tana Umaga has handed a maiden start to fly-half Stephen Perofeta for the upcoming clash against British and Irish Lions at Eden Park on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old will replace Bryn Gatland - son of Lions head coach Warren, despite his impressive performance for New Zealand Provincial Barbarians against the same opposition on Saturday.

New Zealand international Sonny Bill Williams is also name in the XV but will undergo a fitness ahead of the game after sustaining a knee injury previously.

"Stephen's skill-set belies his age, he could have been with the New Zealand Under-20s but we kept him behind with losing Piers Francis to his England duties," said Umaga.

"And he's taken every opportunity to do that.

"We just want to make sure he's developing but he's earned the right to start for us this week.

"We don't want to put too much pressure on the young man but an opportunity against the Lions doesn't come around every day.

"I'm sure he's got a cool demeanour to handle that and with the support around him."

In the probability of Williams failing to make the cut, TJ Faiane will take his place in the XV.

Asked what chance he has of being ready to face the Lions, Williams said: "It's pretty high.

"To face the Lions would be right up there in my career. We're all very excited about the prospect."

Auckland Blues team to face the British and Irish Lions on Wednesday at Eden Park: M Collins, M Duffie, G Moala, SB Williams or TJ Faiane, R Ioane, S Perofeta, A Pulu, O Tu'ungafasi, J Parsons (capt), C Faumuina, G Cowley-Tuioti, S Scrafton, A Ioane, B Gibson, S Luatua.

Replacements: H Faiva, A Hodgman, S Mafileo, P Tuipulotu, K Pryor, S Nock, I West, TJ Faiane/M Nanai.