All Black lock Ali Williams will play his first Super rugby match in almost two years after being named today to start for the Blues against the Crusaders in Auckland on Saturday night.
Williams, 29, spent most of the past two season on the sidelines recovering from two separate Achilles tendon injuries.
The 61-test veteran's return from his latest lengthy spell on the sidelines began with a short stint with English club Nottingham and continued with two pre-season hit-outs with the Blues.
Coach Pat Lam said Williams was ready for his first Super rugby match since May 2009, "otherwise I wouldn't put him there".
"He's excited, he's fit and keen to get involved."
Lam warned fans not to expect Williams to be back at his best immediately.
"He isn't going to be at the best, like a lot of other guys, but I believe he can do a good job for us," he said
"There will be a bit of nerves for him - two years - but he's excited. He's had two hit-outs, 40 minutes and 50 minutes. There's a bit of confidence there, but excitement is a good word for it."
Meanwhile, Lam has opted to play All Black utility Isaia Toeava at fullback in his 50th game for the Blues, while Northland captain Jared Payne will move from his customary fullback position to be at centre in his first appearance for the franchise after his move from the Crusaders.
