Flanker Luke Braid will captain the Blues in the absence of the injured Keven Mealamu their Super rugby match against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday night.
Mealamu suffered a calf injury in the loss to the South African side the Sharks last round.
Fullback Rudi Wulf is also out with a shoulder injury meaning a reshuffle in the three quarter line with Benson Stanley moving to the wing, Hadleigh Parks to fullback from the wing and Rene Ranger moving from wing to centre.
All Black lock Ali Williams returns to the starting lineup after being dropped to the reserves last game while All Black halfback Piri Weepu remains in the reserves.
