Following his man-of-the-match performance against the Lions last week, Blues flank Josh Blackie is relishing the opportunity of facing off against the Highlanders in a big north-south Super 14 match at Eden Park on Friday.

It will be Blackie's first encounter with his former teammates.

Blackie earned 56 caps for the Highlanders before moving to Japan to ply his trade with Kobe Steel for two seasons, but now back in Auckland where he grew up he is eagerly looking forward to taking on his old teammates.

"I'd be lying if I didn't say I was looking forward to playing this game and it's going to be a good night," Blackie said in an interview on the Blues' website.

"I guess it will come down to whoever shows up on the night and wants to play some footy will be the one that comes away with the points and it's going to be a cracker of a game," he said.

Blues head coach Pat Lam has been forced to name a significantly changed starting team for Friday's must-win clash, with his squad once again ravaged by a long list of injuries.

No less than eight Blues players are unavailable for selection due to injury — with the latest casualties being prop John Afoa (ankle), flank Justin Collins (hamstring), scrumhalf Chris Smylie (hamstring tear) and flyhalf Tasesa Lavea (hamstring).

All Black prop Tony Woodcock is back at training this week, following an ear infection which ruled him out for five weeks, but he is not a certain starter and his progress will be monitored later in the week before a final call is made.

Blues: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Anthony Tuitavake, 12 Isaia Toeava, 11 Rudi Wulf, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Taniela Moa, 8 Jerome Kaino, 7 Josh Blackie, 6 Chris Lowrey, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Kurtis Haiu, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock/Tevita Mailau.
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Tevita Mailau, 18 Jay Williams, 19 Peter Saili, 20 Grayson Hart, 21 Michael Hobbs, 22 Rene Ranger.

Date: Friday, April 17
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
Touch judges: TBC (New Zealand), TBC (New Zealand)
TMO: TBC (New Zealand)