The Blues have received a boost ahead of Saturday's Super 14 rugby match against the Western Force in Auckland, with All Blacks props Tony Woodcock and John Afoa both cleared to play.

The pair passed fitness tests- Woodcock on his neck and Afoa his back - to confirm their places after initially being bracketed with Mike Reid and Tevita Mailau respectively.

The Blues confirmed Mailau would remain on the bench while Reid would drop out of the match day squad.

Blues: Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko, Benson Stanley, Luke McAlister, Rudi Wulf, Stephen Brett, Alby Mathewson, Viliame Ma'afu, Tom Chamberlain, Jerome Kaino, Filo Paulo, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (capt), Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, Andrew Van Der Heijden, Peter Saili, Chris Smylie, Rene Ranger, Paul Williams

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