The Blues have reverted to their twin pivot backline directors in a surprise for tomorrow's shootout with the Highlanders at Carisbrook.
Stephen Brett will lead the side around the field with Luke McAlister alongside him, a partnership which guided the side through a four-game winning sequence after the fortunate draw with the Force.
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The duo were separated last round when Brett was joined by Benson Stanley, who brought solidity and direction to the midfield.
However, coach Pat Lam has decided the Brett-McAlister combination is the best starting axis for tomorrow's quest to stay top of the New Zealand pool in the Super 15.
Brett has led the side strongly for most of the season, while McAlister's standards have risen with unimpeded fitness and regular selection.
His goalkicking is also a factor with a success rate of about 73%, while Brett has dropped to 50% after his off-target showing against the Rebels on Good Friday.
The other selection change for the Blues was expected, with Tevita Mailau replacing the injured Tony Woodcock at loosehead prop.
Woodcock was still in some pain yesterday but a scan had cleared him of structural damage in his left foot. However, he could not put much weight on it and will miss the next month of rugby.
"All I heard was a popping sensation and it's pretty swollen so it'll take a while to come right," Woodcock said.
Coach Lam and his selectors are low on locking choices, with Filo Paulo the latest casualty. He broke a bone in his foot during his appearance from the bench last game, is also in a moon boot and will be out for the season, while Kurtis Haiu is on indefinite leave after the discovery of a lesion in his rib.
Anthony Boric is also protecting a tender hamstring.
"Lock is an issue for us at the moment and has quite a few challenges," Lam said.
Loose forwards Daniel Braid (neck) and Mat Luamanu (hamstring) are still unavailable as they recover from injuries which have blighted their last month..
That damage toll means bench selections for young prop Pauliasi Manu and lock James King, while Toby Morland has pipped Chris Smylie as backup halfback.
There is also the challenge of having to rest captain Keven Mealamu at some stage to satisfy the arrangements every franchise made with the All Black selectors.
