James Ryan and Anthony Tuitavake will make their Super 12 debuts, and Ben Blair and Cameron McIntyre will play their first rugby games for the Highlanders on Friday night.

The four were named in a predictable Highlanders team to play the Blues in the Super 12 opener at Carisbrook.

Ryan joins Filipo Levi at lock and Tuitavake joins Seilala Mapusua in midfield, while former Crusaders McIntyre and Blair take their places in a radically changed backline from last season.

McIntyre steps into the breach at first five-eighth following the withdrawal of Nick Evans with an ankle injury, and Blair gets the nod at fullback ahead of Glen Horton.

There are more new caps in the reserves, where winger Ryan Glover, loose forward Colin Bourke and hooker Mahonri Schwalger are new to the Super 12 and Jason Shoemark has yet to earn a cap for the Highlanders.

Highlanders coach Greg Cooper was relieved Tuitavake recovered quickly from his ankle sprain.

"Anthony is a major thumbs-up. He feels fine with his ankle and he's sprinting and changing direction," Cooper said.

Horton (hamstring) had been recovering nicely until tightening up while preparing for the pre-season game against the Chiefs, and would only be considered for selection next week, Cooper said.

Neil Brew has been named on the right wing and Matt Saunders on the left, with both aware they will have to impress as Hayden Pedersen is scheduled to return in the second round and Glover is pressing for selection.

"Ryan pushed very hard for a start against the Blues. He's trained extremely well and he's over his pelvic injury," Cooper said.

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