Blues captain Jerome Kaino has been rested for their Super Rugby clash with the Crusaders in Christchuch on Saturday.
Blues captain Jerome Kaino hails the crowd after their win over the Brumbies Photo: Photosport
Other All Blacks Charles Piutau and James Parsons, who have played in every game so far this season, have also been given a week off.
Keven Mealamu will captain the side and he is part of an All Black front row with Tony Woodcock and Charles Faumuina, with the trio boasting 260 Test caps and 383 Super Rugby games.
Steven Luatua returns at No.8 after his week off.
The Northland hooker Matt Moulds has been named on the bench and is in line for his Super Rugby debut.
Those players not considered because of injury are lock Patrick Tuipulotu, midfielder Pita Ahki and halfback Bryn Hall.
The Blues are 14th on the table with one win, while the Crusaders are 10th with four wins.
Blues:
1 Tony Woodcock
2 Keven Mealamu (captain)
3 Charlie Faumuina
4 Josh Bekhuis
5 Hayden Triggs
6 Akira Ioane
7 Brendon O'Connor
8 Steven Luatua
9 Jimmy Cowan
10 Dan Bowden
11 Melani Nanai
12 George Moala
13 Francis Saili
14 Frank Halai
15 Lolagi Visinia
Replacements:
16 Matt Moulds
17 Ofa Tu'ungafasi
18 Angus Ta'avao
19 Culum Retallick
20 Blake Gibson
21 Jamison Gibson-Park
22 Ihaia West
23 Tevita Li
