The All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu is set to make his first Super Rugby appearance of the season, having been named in the Blues reserves for Friday night's match against the Highlanders.
Mealamu, returns after an extended summer break.
The Blues coach Sir John Kirwan has also made two changes to his starting lineup following last round's loss to the Chiefs.
The former Chiefs player Jackson Willison comes in at second five in place of Francis Saili, while Tim Perry replaces Tom McCartney at loosehead prop.
Both teams badly need a win with the Blues having lost their last three games while the Highlanders are winless after five matches and are bottom of the table.
