Keven Mealamu and Francis Saili have returned to the Blues starting team as they seek to bounce back against the Stormers at North Harbour Stadium on Friday.

Veteran All Black Mealamu comes into the team who lost 12-11 to the Reds to replace the injured James Parsons.

Saili will start at centre, with Rene Ranger moving to the wing in place of Albert Nikoro.

Former All Blacks lock Anthony Boric is back on the bench after being cleared following a neck scan, while Quentin MacDonald will take Mealamu’s place on the bench.

Also on the bench is outside back Lolagi Visinia, who was named in the All Blacks under-20 squad for the junior world championship in France and who will make his Blues debut if he gets on the field.

Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Francis Saili, Jackson Willison, Rene Ranger, Chris Noakes, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Steven Luatua, Ali Williams (captain), Culum Retallick, Angus Ta’avao, Keven Mealamu, Tom McCartney. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Anthony Boric, Brendon O’Connor, Jamison Gibson-Park, Baden Kerr, Lolagi Visinia.