Peter Saili will start at No 8 for the Blues against the Waratahs at Eden Park on Friday.
Saili replaces Steven Luatua as coach John Kirwan looks to inject more physicality into the Blues' game.
In other changes, Simon Hickey will start at flyhalf after Chris Noakes was ruled out following a concussion he sustained against the Hurricanes.
Ma'a Nonu has bounced back from a tight calf to start at inside centre ahead of Jackson Willison. Frank Halai has also been reinstated to the starting XV ahead of George Moala after he produced strong cameo off the bench last week.
Meanwhile, the Waratahs have named an unchanged team for the match.
Blues – 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Frank Halai, 13 Francis Saili, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Lolagi Visinia, 10 Simon Hickey, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Luke Braid, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Keven Mealamu (c), 1 Tony Woodcock.
Subs: 16 James Parsons, 17 Sam Prattley, 18 Angus Ta'avao, 19 Hayden Triggs, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Steven Luatua, 22 Ihaia West, 23 Pita Ahki.
Waratahs – 15 Israel Folau, 14 Cam Crawford, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Rob Horne, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Dave Dennis (c), 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Jacques Potgieter, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Will Skelton, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tatafu Polota Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Subs (one to be omitted): 16 Tolu Latu, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Paddy Ryan, 19 Pat McCutcheon, 20 Wycliff Palu, 21 Brendan McKibbin, 22 Jono Lance, 23 Matt Carraro, 24 Stephen Hoiles.
Photo: Rob Jefferies/Getty Images
