The embattled Blues have made a raft of changes to their starting 15 to face the Highlanders in Auckland, including giving three senior All Blacks a breather on the bench.

Lock Ali Williams, who is one game short of 100 Super Rugby matches, midfield back Ma’a Nonu and halfback Piri Weepu will all begin Saturday’s match among the reserves.

Their spots in the run-on side have gone to Filo Paulo, Francis Saili in his starting debut and Alby Mathewson.

The Blues have just two wins from 12 matches and are last in the New Zealand conference while the Highlanders (8-4) are mid-table.

In one of two other changes, Benson Stanley’s head knock in the Blues’ 59-12 defeat to the Crusaders last weekend means Sherwin Stowers comes in on the left wing.

In the pack, hooker James Parsons will also get his first start in place of Tom McCartney, who coach Pat Lam said was also due a rest.

Lam is still to settle on who will play No.7 and No.8 as he assesses the fitness of Daniel Braid, who “was pretty knocked around last week”.

Meanwhile, the Blues’ injury list has reached 11, with winger George Moala among them after a freak accident.

Moala needed surgery after cutting his hand at home while tackling his younger brother in a game of indoor rugby.

Blues: Hadleigh Parkes, David Raikuna, Francis Saili, Michael Hobbs, Sherwin Stowers, Gareth Anscombe, Alby Mathewson, Peter Saili/Luke Braid (capt), Luke Braid/Daniel Braid, Steve Luatua, Filo Paulo, Liaki Moli, Tevita Mailau, James Parsons, Tony Woodcock. Res: Tom McCartney, Angus Ta’avao, Ali Williams, Daniel Braid/Peter Saili/Daniel Pryor, Piri Weepu, Ma’a Nonu, Lachie Munro.