Rudi Wulf and Rene Ranger will make a timely return from injury to face the table-topping Chiefs at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday night (kick-off 7.35pm).
The injection of the two former All Black backs is a huge boost for the injury ravaged Blues who will need all of their attacking potency to prise open the watertight Chiefs defence.
Wulf has shrugged off a recurring shoulder injury to play his 50th game for the Blues, while Rene Ranger has overcome rib damage to line-up on the left wing in a revamped backline for the local derby.
With Gareth Anscombe sustaining a season ending ankle sprain last week, Michael Hobbs moves in a spot to start at first five-eighths, while Lachie Munro replaces David Raikuna on the right wing.
Blues head coach Pat Lam has promoted All Blacks Ali Williams and Ma’a Nonu to the starting XV after they came off the bench against the Highlanders last week, however there is no recall for Piri Weepu as Alby Mathewson remains at halfback.
The Blues team to face the Chiefs at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday night (kick-off 7.35pm) is:
Unavailable due to injury: Jerome Kaino, Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu, Anthony Boric, Brad Mika, Benson Stanley, George Moala, Isaia Toeava, Gareth Anscombe