Former Fiji Under-20 rep Alex Hodgman will start at prop for the Auckland Blues in their opening Super Rugby match against the Highlanders.

Hodgamn partners alongside All Black Ofa Tuungafasi and hooker James Parsons.

Blues coach Tana Umaga has named four debutants for the game against Highlanders.

The Blues backline features plenty of power with Rieko Ioane, Matt Duffie, Sonny Bill Williams, George Moala and Michael Collins.

The Blues take on the Highlanders at 6.35pm on Friday.

In the other matches, Crusaders takes on Chiefs at 6.30pm on Saturday and Waratahs host the Stormers at 8.45pm.

You can watch Crusaders-Chiefs and Waratahs-Stormers match live on FBC TV.