First five Stephen Brett will return to the Blues' starting lineup to play the Crusaders in Timaru this weekend, in a match which could decide the New Zealand Super Rugby conference winner.
Coach Pat Lam dropped Brett to the reserves last week, replacing him with Luke McAlister - but Lam says the side failed to get their attacking game going in the loss to the Chiefs.
He says when Brett came on in the final 15 minutes he finally gave them some direction and that performance has earnt him a recall.
McAlister returns to second five for Saturday's pivotal clash, with Benson Stanley moving to centre and Jared Payne to fullback. Lachie Munroe drops to the reserves.
Prop Charlie Faumuina also gets a start at the expense of Tom McCartney, who drops to the reserves.
The Blues are two points ahead of the Crusaders with two rounds to go before the playoffs.
