First five-eighth Daniel Kirkpatrick will make his first start for the Blues amid eight changes to the starting 15 for Sunday's (1am NZT) Super 14 rugby match against the winless Lions in Johannesburg.
Kirkpatrick, 21, dons the No 10 jersey in place of regular pivot Stephen Brett who is battling injury suffered in the 32-36 loss to the Cheetahs and has been bracketed on the bench with George Pisi.
Brett has been unable to train this week.
Isaia Toeava returns to fullback after playing centre last week, with Rene Ranger moving into the No 13 spot and Paul Williams switching to the wing.
Peter Saili is preferred to start at No 8 in place of Viliami Ma'afu, Serge Lilo resumes his starting position at openside flanker ahead of Tom Chamberlain and All Blacks lock Anthony Boric replaces Filo Paulo.
Blues captain Keven Mealamu has failed to shake off a hamstring strain suffered against the Sharks in round 11 as Tom McCartney makes his second successive start at hooker.
Flanker Jerome Kaino continues his role as skipper in Mealamu's absence.
Blues: Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko, Rene Ranger, Benson Stanley, Paul Williams, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Alby Mathewson, Peter Saili, Serge Lilo, Jerome Kaino, Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Tom McCartney, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Tevita Mailau, Charlie Faumuina, Filo Paulo, Vilami Ma'afu, Chris Smylie, Stephen Brett/George Pisi, Anthony Tuitavake.
