Mealamu to set Super Rugby record

All Blacks warhorse Keven Mealamu will set a new Super Rugby appearance record after being named in the Blues starting line-out for their match against the Lions.

The 35-year-old hooker will contest his 163rd Super Rugby match, surpassing the mark set by former Reds and Force lock Nathan Sharpe.

Mealamu, who is also the second most capped All Black with 123 Test appearances, made his Super Rugby debut in 2000, when the competition was still known as the Super 12.

He said his enthusiasm remained undimmed, although there have been hints he will not play on in 2016, when the current 15-team format expands to 18 teams.

"I'm playing with guys that when I was playing my first game were probably about five years old, so that probably puts it in perspective.

"But I think I arrive here with the same energy and the same enthusiasm that they arrive with, so I think we're still on a level playing field," he told reporters.

Aside from a brief stint with the Chiefs, Mealamu has played all his Super Rugby with the Blues, helping them to a title in 2003.

He has not played for the Aucklanders so far this season and they have slumped to a 3-match losing streak, which coach John Kirwan said he hoped Mealamu could help turn around.

"He exemplifies all of the qualities that we strive for at the Blues in desire, hard work, resilience, loyalty and integrity. He will bring a real lift to the team and I am sure the boys will want him to celebrate his milestone with a good performance," Kirwan said.

SANZAR Chief Executive, Greg Peters extended his congratulations to the Blues hooker.

"Congratulations on becoming the most experienced player in Super Rugby history.

"You possess one of the most decorated CVs in world rugby, which is a thoroughly deserved product of your hard work, dedication and an unwavering desire to continue raising both your own standards, and those of others around you.

"As a player with vast experience from club to Test level, you are a role model that has inspired a generation of young players and we can count ourselves lucky as they come through the ranks using your career and principles as inspiration," he said.

Mealamu has been named alongside fellow All Black Charlie Faumuina and Ofa Tu’ungafasi, who gets his first start of the season.

Steven Luatua is back to his regular starting spot in the loose forwards with captain Jerome Kaino and Luke Braid.

Last year's Blues Development player of the year, Melani Nanai has earned a second start after a useful debut in South Africa as a replacement, to be joined by Frank Halai, who makes his first appearance of the season following rehabilitation from an off-season shoulder operation.

All Black Charles Piutau remains at centre and is paired in the midfield by Francis Saili.

Blues: 15 Lolagi Visinia, 14 Frank Halai, 13 Charles Piutau, 12 Francis Saili, 11 Melani Nanai, 10 Ihaia West, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Jerome Kaino, 7 Luke Braid, 6 Steven Luatua, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Ofa Tu'ungafasi.

Replacements: 16 James Parsons, 17 Sam Prattley, 18 Angus Ta'avao, 19 Hayden Triggs, 20 Brendon O'Connor, 21 Jamison Gibson-Park, 22 Simon Hickey, 23 Hamish Northcott.

Date: Saturday, March 7

Venue: North Harbour Stadium, Albany

Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT; 08.35 South Africa time)

Referee: Matt O'Brien (Australia)

Assistant referees: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)

TMO: Glen Newman (New Zealand)

Agence France-Presse