The Blues have diverted slightly from their established winning formula in favour of an extra playmaker for Saturday's titanic clash with the Crusaders in Christchurch.
In one of two changes to the starting XV, first-five Harry Plummer will make his first start of Super Rugby Aotearoa, having been named atsecond-five for their trip south. He will don the 12 jersey in place of TJ Faiane who drops to the bench.
In a clear indication of the importance of the kicking game on Saturday, it offers the Blues a third option with the boot as Plummer joins Otere Black and Beauden Barrett in the backline, who maintain their spots at first-five and fullback respectively.
The selection also mirrors the triple-playmaker approach coach Leon MacDonald elected for in the side's away win over the Bulls earlier in the year.
Plummer boasts a good amount of experience at second-five. As well as the victory over the Bulls, the 22-year-old made appearances in the midfield against the Chiefs and Hurricanes in the initial multi-country competition.
"[We need to] make sure that when we've got possession we can look after the ball. The two tries [conceded] against the Highlanders just came off the back of maybe little lapses in concentration. One came from a quick throw-in and the other one came from a kick to the edge which went the wrong way."
Both sides are unbeaten through four weeks, but it is the Crusaders with the clear advantage in recent matchups. The red and blacks have won 11 straight, and 14 of the last 16 against the Blues.
Having gone 35 straight undefeated at home, it makes it a near-impossible feat to topple the Crusaders in their own backyard, but veteran hooker James Parsons says the magnitude of the fixture has not changed their approach.
"I think it would be disappointing if it did. I'm a big believer in consistent prep gets consistent performances. It's no secret, it doesn't matter who you're playing you just got to make sure you know a bit about them, but nail our stuff. We've got that prep right I believe."
In the other change to the starting side, Finlay Christie gets the nod at halfback – his first start for the franchise – with Jonathan Ruru named on the bench.
Sam Nock drops out of the 23, despite starting their three games so far, but the Blues maintain they are rotating a position they have plenty of depth in, and are rewarding Christie for strong performances off the bench.
All Blacks prop Karl Tu'inukuafe and loose forward Blake Gibson are set to make their returns from injury off the bench.
Matt Duffie rounds out the 23, replacing the departed Joe Marchant who has returned to the United Kingdom.
