Luke McAlister's brief stint at first five-eighth for the Blues has ended with Stephen Brett reclaiming the no.10 jersey to face the Crusaders on Saturday.
McAlister moves back to second five-eighth after having an off night in last Saturday's loss to the Chiefs, which included five straight missed shots at
goal and five missed tackles.
The return of Brett sees a reshuffle to the backline with Benson Stanley moving from second five to centre in replace of Jared Payne who moves to fullback with Lachie Munro heading to the bench.
Lam concedes Blues are underdogs
Blackadder eyes top spot
Pat Lam has also changed his front row with All Black hooker Keven Mealamu returning to the starting lineup in place of Tom McCartney, while Charlie Faumuina replaces Tevita Mailau.
Blues:
15 Jared Payne, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Benson Stanley, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Rene Ranger, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Luke Braid, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Anthony Boric, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Keven Mealamu (captain), 1 John Afoa.
Reserves: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Tevita Mailau, 18 Chris Lowrey, 19 Sean Polwart, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Lachie Munro, 22 Sherwin Stowers.
- HERALD ONLINE
