Sonny Bill returns for Blues Super Rugby debut

Sonny Bill Williams will make his long-awaited return from injury when he lines up for the Blues in Saturday's Super Rugby clash against the Highlanders in Dunedin.

The All Blacks midfielder, who ruptured his achilles tendon playing sevens at the Rio Olympics last August, will make his Blues debut from the bench.

All Blacks loose forward Steven Luatua also returns after serving a four-week suspension for a high tackle in the Blues' second-round 41-26 loss to the Chiefs.

Luatua's return means Blues coach Tana Umaga will be able to rest Jimmy Tupou, who has carried a significant workload in the opening six games.

Outstanding young flanker Blake Gibson is also back to full fitness and will resume his openside loose forward role.

In another change, 21-year-old All Black Rieko Ioane earns a recall to the starting line-up after an outstanding contribution off the bench in last weekend's 24-15 win over the Western Force.

"We have missed Steven's undoubted skills and it also allows Jerome (Kaino) to return to his role at No.6 where he is regarded as the best in the world," Umaga said.

"Rieko is an extraordinary talent and showed his class off the bench to earn his spot back in the starting line-up."

Scott Scrafton has earned his first start at lock after an impressive effort as a replacement last weekend, with Patrick Tuipulotu to come off the bench.

Photos: Getty

He's joined on the bench by All Black Ofa Tu'ungafasi, along with Maori All Blacks Billy Guyton and Akira Ioane.

Also on the bench is North Harbour's Bryn Gatland, who trained with the Blues pre-season and comes off a stint with the Crusaders, filling in for the injured first fives Ihaia West and Stephen Perofeta.

Blues: Michael Collins, Matt Duffie, Rieko Ioane, George Moala, Melani Nanai, Piers Francis, Augustine Pulu, Steven Luatua, Blake Gibson, Jerome Kaino, Scott Scrafton, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons (captain), Pauliasi Manu. Reserves: Matt Moulds, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Sione Mafileo, Patrick Tuipulotu, Akira Ioane, Billy Guyton, Bryn Gatland, Sonny Bill Williams.

Unavailable due to injury: Sam Nock (shoulder), Rene Ranger (ankle), Stephen Perofeta (ankle), Alex Hodgman (calf), Branden Nansen (wrist/hand), Ihaia West (ankle), Declan O'Donnell (concussion).

– With NZN