May 7, 2014, 6:34 am


Outside back George Moala has been promoted from the bench in the one injury-forced change to the Blues' starting 15 to face Super Rugby champions the Chiefs in New Plymouth on Friday.

Moala will go to outside centre, with midfielders Francis Saili and Jackson Willison both sidelined.

Saili suffered a high ankle sprain in the lead-up to last Friday's 44-14 win over the Reds, while Willison picked up a hamstring strain during the game.

Skipper Luke Braid, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, has again been left out, with coach Sir John Kirwan deciding against risking rushing him back too early.

"For me, the biggest decision was around Braidy and whether he was 100 per cent and we've decided that he's about 90 per cent so we're going to give him a rest," he said.

The Blues, who have won two in row, remain bottom of the New Zealand conference, but just five points separate them from the Chiefs, who are at the top, and Kirwan is expecting a big battle on Friday night.

He also said there was no glossing over the fact that the Blues have not won on the road in 13 matches dating back to early last season.

"We're well aware of it," he said.

"This team needs to win away from home if we're going to be in the play-offs.

"There's no science around that. We just need to take more individual responsibility and make sure we get there."

Blues (15-1): Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, George Moala, Ma'a Nonu, Lolagi Visinia, Simon Hickey, Bryn Hall, Jerome Kaino, Brendon O'Connor, Peter Saili, Tom Donnelly, Patrick Tuipulotu, Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock. Reserves: James Parsons, Sam Prattley, Angus Ta'avao, Hayden Triggs, Steven Luatua, Piri Weepu, Ihaia West, Pita Ahki.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sp...ge-for-chiefs/