Benji Marshall says "It's exciting getting my first start" © Getty Images

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Benji Marshall will make his first Super Rugby start this weekend, having been named fullback for the Blues against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Blues coach Sir John Kirwan has learned from Marshall's four appearances to date since moving from rugby league - three in pre-season - that the high-profile recruit is not yet ready to handle the responsibilities of five-eight, but the player impressed from the bench as fullback in the second half against the Highlanders in round one.

Kirwan has moved Charles Piutau to the left wing, in one of five starting changes to the team that lost to the Bulls last week, to accommodate Marshall. The other changes see Chris Noakes recalled ahead of Simon Hickey; Pita Ahki selected at inside centre after impressing from the bench in place of Jackson Willison against the Bulls; Steven Luatua shifted to No.8 to cover Peter Saili's absence with a patella tendon injury, which in turn sees Brendon O'Connor start at blindside; Patrick Tuipulotu replacing Liaki Moli at lock; and Jordan Manihera named to debut from the bench.

''It's exciting getting my first start,'' Marshall said.

''I've been looking forward to getting another taste since the first 20 minutes I got against the Highlanders, so I've just had to have a bit of patience, bide my time. The time has come so I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Marshall conceded he had struggled mentally since the Highlanders match, having been left on the bench against the Crusaders and then being left out of the match-day squad against the Bulls.

''It's been a tough couple of weeks, patience wise," he said. "It's a bit of the other side of the coin for me. I'm used to being in a starting line-up in league. You've just got to take your opportunities, and this is my chance.''

Kirwan said: ''We believe that Benji deserves a start at fullback. He's jumping out of his skin, he's ready to go, he's spent the last couple of weeks really refining that role, so we'll put him in there.''

Blues: Benji Marshall; Frank Halai, George Moala, Pita Ahki, Charles Piutau; Chris Noakes, Piri Weepu; Steven Luatua, Luke Braid, Brendon O'Connor; Tom Donnelly, Patrick Tuipulotu; Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons, Tony Woodcock. Replacements: Tom McCartney, Sam Prattley, Angus Ta'avao, Liaki Moli, Jordan Manihera, Bryn Hall, Simon Hickey, Jackson Willison.