Piutau will wear the No15 jersey against the Chiefs in Rotorua on Friday in what is the Blues' final pre-season game and also, fitness permitting, for the first match proper against the Highlanders in Dunedin a week on Saturday and beyond.
The 22-year-old burst on to the scene as a fullback for the Blues in 2012 but he was used on the wing for the All Blacks last season and made an extremely good fist of it, particularly on the November tour against difficult opponents in France and England.
With the All Blacks also needing centre cover, it was thought Piutau could spend time in the midfield for the Blues this year as Kirwan juggled the talents of Benji Marshall, Ma'a Nonu, Francis Saili, Jackson Willison and George Moala, but the coach said fullback was the youngster's position for now.
"Everyone's talking about Charles at centre and we'd like to give him some time there but when you're reintegrating guys in late they need to be comfortable with what they are doing before you start changing them," Kirwan said. "He's comfortable at fullback, he loves it, he's a talented boy, he's in our leadership group, so let's get him on the paddock and worry about variations later on."
George Moala's selection at centre for the Chiefs match could also be significant. He was impressive in the Blues' first trial game against the Hurricanes and, in Nonu's absence through injury, could find a home in the midfield alongside Saili for the early part of the season.
"I think George is going to have a special year," Kirwan said. "He's a centre/wing cover and he is playing centre and we're going to keep playing him there so he gets used to that role."
In announcing his team yesterday, Kirwan said there were few certainties in terms of selections, insisting Marshall and Chris Noakes were in a battle for the No10 jersey. Baden Kerr is not available for Friday due to a hand injury.
All Blacks prop Charlie Faumuina and loose forward Steven Luatua will have their first hit-out of the season, with the former expected to play 20-30 minutes and the latter 40.
Starting halfback Piri Weepu, who is back from knee surgery, is also likely to play half the match.
Kirwan said he wanted to see more urgency at the breakdown area after his team were beaten 33-12 by the Waratahs in Sydney last weekend.
Blues team to play the Chiefs at Rotorua International Stadium on Friday, kick-off 6pm is: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, George Moala, Francis Saili, Lolagi Visinia, Benji Marshall, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid (c), Steven Luatua, Tom Donnelly, Liaki Moli, Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons, Sam Prattley. Reserves: Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Tom McCartney, Angus Ta'avao, William Lloyd, Patrick Tuipulotu, Kane Barrett, Jordan Manihera, Brendon O'Connor, Bryn Hall, Chris Noakes, Simon Hickey, Jackson Willison, Tevita Li, Albert Nikoro.
- Patrick McKendry
