Nine players who started last year's Super rugby final against the Hurricanes have been named to start against the Blues at Eden Park. Prop Brendon Edmonds and lock Alex Ainley also started last year's final but have been named on the bench.
The only change to the backline from that triumphant night last July is in the No 12 jersey, where Teihorangi Walden will make his Super rugby debut in place of the injured Richard Buckman (shoulder).
It appears Walden has at least temporarily surpassed former Crusaders midfielder Rob Thompson, who started last week's final pre-season game against the Waratahs in Queenstown, in the pecking order.
Thompson has missed out on the match-day squad altogether. Injured lock Mark Reddish (shoulder) was unavailable for selection, meaning Joe Wheeler and Tom Franklin will start in the second row.
First five-eighth Marty Banks (hamstring) is also out injured, leaving Hayden Parker to cover Lima Sopoaga in the No 10 jersey.
Parker missed a good chunk of last season with a shoulder injury he picked up playing for Otago in 2014. However, he did not have surgery until last April.
Former chiefs No8 Liam Squire will start in the jersey vacated by former Highlanders co-captain Nasi Manu.
Squire will start alongside fellow loose forwards Shane Christie and Elliot Dixon, who had a standout season for the franchise last year.
Joseph has opted for Ainley and Dan Pryor as cover on the bench, meaning there is no room for former Crusaders loose forward Luke Whitelock in the match-day team.
Utility back Matt Faddes, who will make his Super rugby debut if he gets on the paddock, will provide midfield and outside back cover.
Blues coach Tana Umaga has left plenty of fire-power on the bench, including explosive outside back Rene Ranger and powerful loose forward Akira Ioane, for his first match in charge of the franchise.
Ranger, who has returned to New Zealand after three years in France, will be a handful with his line-breaking ability later in the match.
With enforcer Jerome Kaino suspended for the match, Joe Edwards gets the start in the No6 jersey ahead of Ioane, who did not play any part in his side's pre-season campaign due to sevens commitments and a hamstring complaint.
Edwards will partner with Steven Luatua and Blake Gibson in the loose forwards.
Umaga has also opted to start North Harbour prop Sione Mafileo ahead of All Black Charlie Faumuina.
The Blues are expected to pack a punch in the midfield, where second five-eighth George Moala and Japan World Cup star Male Sa'u combine.
Led by fullback Lolagi Visinia, and wingers Melani Nanai and Tevita Li, the Auckland-based team has no shortage of pace at the back.
Former Highlanders lock Josh Bekhuis will start in the second row with the talented Patrick Tuipulotu, who is making a return from injury.
Former North Otago halfback Billy Guyton, who is originally from Waimate, will provide cover from the bench for halfback Bryn Hall.
