The Blues coach Tana Umaga has re-jigged his backline for Friday night's Super Rugby game against the Highlanders at Eden Park.
The Blues injury count is now at 18 players, with six of them season-ending. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2018 www.photosport.nz
Bryn Gatland returns to start at first five, with Stephen Perofeta dropping back to fullback.
Rieko Ioane moves back to his accustomed left wing with TJ Faiane and Orbyn Leger paired in the midfield.
Jimmy Tupou moves to lock, with Dalton Papalii starting on the flank.
The Blues have 18 players unavailable because of injury.
"It seems all the New Zealand Super teams are suffering from a high attrition rate and we are no different," said Blues head coach Tana Umaga. "It is testing the depth of the playing resources around the country as we have seen this week with the likes of Sam Prattley called into the Chiefs.
"It is testing our depth and our resources but at the same time it is giving opportunities to others.
"It is challenging to build momentum when we are changing so many players and now bringing in new faces but we are fortunate that our Development team coaches have done such a great job with the next layer of players."
Blues: 1. Pauliasi Manu, 2. James Parsons, 3. Ofa Tuungafasi/Mike Tamoaieta, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu, 5. Jimmy Tupou, 6. Dalton Papalii, 7. Kara Pryor, 8. Akira Ioane; 9. Jonathan Ruru, 10. Bryn Gatland, 11. Rieko Ioane, 12. TJ Faiane, 13. Orbyn Leger, 14. Jordan Hyland,15. Stephen Perofeta.
Reserves: 16. Matt Moulds/Leni Apisai, 17. Ross Wright, 18. Mike Tamoaieta/Sione Mafileo, 19. Ben Neenee, 20. Murphy Taramai, 21. Sam Nock, 22. Tumua Manu, 23. Matt Duffie.
- RNZ
