Chris Noakes, a player back from a neck operation who looked off his game in the first half of last weekend's 29-21 defeat to the Highlanders but improved in the second half, has been dropped from the squad for tomorrow's match at Eden Park.
Noakes impressed last season with his steady play but Kirwan wasn't in the mood to allow him to feel his way into the season - a bit like opposite Todd Blackadder, who has axed his No 10 Tyler Bleyendaal and dropped All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg to the reserves bench.
Now Hickey, like Noakes, a King's College old boy, has been given the reins for what has been one of the traditional rivalries of the game in New Zealand.
"It was always my favourite game to watch when I was younger, the Blues versus the Crusaders, and I remember going to watch the final in 2003 so I can't wait to get out there and actually play against them," Hickey said.
Kirwan has persisted with his policy of easing Benji Marshall into his new code - the 29-year-old, who played 22 minutes at fullback in Dunedin - has again been named on the bench.
Hickey, who was 9 when he watched the Blues in their final victory at Eden Park 11 years ago - the last time the franchise won a title - is not even a full member of the Blues squad.
As a wider training group member, he is on a vastly reduced salary, but the steadiness he showed for Auckland in last year's ITM Cup and his form in training has been enough to convince Kirwan. He was also a member of last year's New Zealand Under-20 team.
"He's had the same pathway as [Aaron] Cruden and he's got the calmness of Foxy [Grant Fox] so I think he's a mature young man who's ready for the next step," said Kirwan.
"I've got complete faith in him and he's ready. I told him to just get out there, do what you do and enjoy it."
With Kieran Read named in a Crusaders team looking to bounce back from their disappointing opener to the Chiefs in Christchurch, Hickey is expecting a fair bit of attention from a loose forward trio also including Richie McCaw and George Whitelock. Hickey also confirmed he will be kicking for goal.
"I guess they'll be coming at me," he said. "You get that [attention] in any game. I guess they're better than most but I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Blues skipper Luke Braid has recovered quicker than expected from an ankle sprain, with Kirwan expecting him to play, however the bad news surrounding first-five Baden Kerr continues. Kerr, who cracked a bone his left thumb in pre-season, had hoped to be available to play the Bulls in Pretoria next weekend, but now won't make the trip.
Former All Blacks loose forward Jerome Kaino, back in Auckland after his stint in Japan, also won't travel.
Kirwan acknowledged his side were under pressure. Another loss would dent the confidence before their trip to Loftus Versfeld, with the resurgent Lions waiting in Johannesburg a week later.
"I wouldn't deny I'd be a happier man getting on the plane with some points on Saturday," he said.
Simon Hickey
Born: 12.01.94
Blues caps: 0
Auckland caps: 14
Auckland points: 113
Auckland debut: 2012 v Manawatu
Named Auckland club player of the year in 2012, his first year out of school (club: Grammar Carlton)
A promising batsman and off-spinner, Hickey was named player of tournament when King's College won cricket's Gillette Cup in 2010 and 2011
Blues team to play the Crusaders at Eden Park on Friday, kick-off 7.35pm is: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, George Moala, Jackson Willison, Tevita Li, Simon Hickey, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid/Brendon O'Connor, Steven Luatua, Tom Donnelly, Patrick Tuipulotu, Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons, Sam Prattley. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Angus Ta'avao, Liaki Moli, Brendon O'Connor/Jordan Manihera, Bryn Hall, Benji Marshall, Pita Ahki.
Crusaders: Colin Slade, Rob Thompson, Reynold Lee-Lo, Ryan Crotty, Nafi Tuitavake, Tom Taylor, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (c), Richie McCaw, George Whitelock, Dominic Bird, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Tim Perry. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett, Nepo Laulala, Luke Romano, Matt Todd, Willi Heinz, Adam Whitelock, Israel Dagg.
APZN pm lb