Veteran All Blacks winger Joe Rokocoko has been reinstated to the Blues' starting team for the Super Rugby match against the neighbouring Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday.

Last week, Rokocoko was originally dropped from the squad picked for the impressive win over the Hurricanes in Auckland but got a bench call when his replacement Benson Stanley suffered a calf injury in training.

In the only change to the run-on side named today to tackle the Chiefs, Rokocoko gets the No 11 jersey back.

Coach Pat Lam said Rokocoko's performance was better when he came off the bench in the win over the Hurricanes, but "he still has a way to go".

"I've been watching him off the field and what he's been doing, and making sure the hunger and desire is there, and it looks like it is," he said.

"He's had a good chat with the All Black coaches, so this is a big opportunity for him to take."

Blues: Isaia Toeava, Rene Ranger, Jared Payne, Luke McAlister, Joe Rokocoko, Stephen Brett, Alby Mathewson, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Jerome Kaino, Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, Teofilo Paulo, Mat Luamanu, Chris Smylie, Lachie Munro, Benson Stanley/Sherwin Stowers.

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