Blues midfield back Francis Saili, selected in the All Blacks’ wider training group, will have to be content with a bench spot in the Super Rugby clash with the Crusaders on Saturday night.

He makes way at inside centre for Jackson Willison, who has overcome the ankle injury that sidelined him from the 36-32 win over the Melbourne Rebels last weekend.

Saili scored two of the Blues’ six tries against the Rebels and the 22-year-old, who is in just his second season of Super Rugby, went on to be named for two All Blacks camps, the first beginning on Sunday.

Blues coach Sir John Kirwan has opted for Willison’s greater experience in the starting 15 for the trip to Christchurch, where the Blues haven’t won in nine years.

“Jacko just gives us a little bit more voice and experience there, and then we can bring Ces on late in the game and really break it up,” he said.

“It’s difficult for him, because he played well in attack last week, but I think Jackson provides just a bit of steadiness in midfield.”

Willison’s inclusion is one of four changes to the run-on side.

Openside flanker Luke Braid and lock Culum Retallick, who had both shouldered a big workload, return after getting a breather last weekend.

Also back to bolster the pack is 102-Test hooker Keven Mealamu, who has overcome a calf strain.

Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Rene Ranger, Jackson Willison, George Moala, Chris Noakes, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Steven Luatua, Ali Williams (captain), Culum Retallick, Angus Ta’avao, Keven Mealamu, Tim Perry.

Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Sam Prattley, Anthony Boric, Brendon O’Connor, Jamison Gibson-Park, Baden Kerr, Francis Saili.