Captain Keven Mealamu is back while fellow All Black Piri Weepu has been benched for the Blues’ Super Rugby clash with the Melbourne Rebels on Thursday.
Hooker Mealamu returns for the match in Melbourne after missing the last-start 26-25 loss to the Hurricanes through injury.
But fellow World Cup winner Weepu drops to the bench after failing to shine at five-eighth against the Hurricanes, making way for the return of specialist No.10 Gareth Anscombe.
The Blues also regain danger man Rene Ranger, who comes back on the left wing after serving a suspension.
Ranger replaces the injured David Raikuna as part of a back three reshuffle which in which Rudi Wulf moves from left wing to fullback and Lachie Munro from fullback to the right wing.
Blues: Rudi Wulf, Lachie Munro, Benson Stanley, Ma’a Nonu, Rene Ranger, Gareth Anscombe, Alby Mathewson, Brad Mika, Daniel Braid, Chris Lowrey, Ali Williams, Filo Paulo, Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, Liaki Moli, Dan Pryor, Piri Weepu, Michael Hobbs, Hadleigh Parkes.