In-form loose forward Steven Luatua will miss the Blues’ Super Rugby match against the ACT Brumbies because of injury.

Luatua, who has started all 11 games this year, got a knock to his neck and shoulder area in the Blues’ 23-3 defeat to the Crusaders last weekend.

Coach Sir John Kirwan described the injury as not serious, but said the blindside flanker would not have been at full fitness for the match in Auckland on Saturday night.

“He hasn’t freed up, so we just felt he would be playing at 80 per cent rather than 100 per cent,” he said.

Kirwan expected Luatua, a member of the All Blacks’ wider training group, to be available for the trip to Dunedin next week to face the Highlanders.

Brendon O’Connor’s inclusion for Luatua is one of two changes to the Blues’ starting 15.

The other is at inside centre, with Francis Saili, who has also made the All Blacks camps, coming back in for Jackson Willison.

Kirwan said Saili and Willison were two of the Blues’ form players, with Saili bringing “a real excitement to the game” when he took the field.

At tighthead prop, Angus Ta’avao, who twisted a knee in training, is bracketed with Sam Prattley.

Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Rene Ranger, Francis Saili, George Moala, Chris Noakes, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Brendon O’Connor, Ali Williams (capt), Culum Retallick, Angus Ta’avao/Sam Prattley, Keven Mealamu, Tim Perry. Reserves: James Parsons, Prattley/Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Anthony Boric, Kane Barrett, Jamison Gibson-Park, Baden Kerr, Jackson Willison