Injury to first five-eighths Stephen Brett has resulted in Daniel Kirkpatrick making his first start as the Blues attempt to salvage something from their season, and their South African tour, when meeting the Lions in Johannesburg on Sunday (NZT).
Brett suffered a knee injury during last weekend's loss to the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein and had been unable to train properly during the week.
Coach Pat Lam felt Kirkpatrick might be inexperienced but he would bring excitement to the side.
"He's a young talent coming through and it's a great opportunity for him. At the younger age group levels he was touted for big things but he's been struggling with injuries over the last few years."
Lam said a good deal of work had been going into his game behind the scenes and the match represented the chance to show off that work. He was hopeful Brett would be able to take a place on the bench.
The news was not so good for hooker and captain Keven Mealamu whose hamstring strain was considered too iffy to warrant playing, especially with the international programme which is due to start next month.
More changes have also been made to the back four with Rene Ranger returning to centre, Isaia Toeava moving to fullback and Paul Williams on the wing. Lam downplayed the changes saying all the players had played in their positions before this season and it was a continuation of the horses for courses policy that had been used this year.
And in the loose forwards flanker Tom Chamberlain had a quad strain while No.8 Viliami Ma'afu has a sternum injury.
"Playing these sides over here takes the heaviest toll," Lams said.
While torrential rain had denied the side practice time earlier in the week, conditions had improved and while it was the last week of the tour Lam said everyone was committed to getting the performance against the Lions right.
The Lions are the only side still to record a win this year and coach Dick Muir said the side was playing for pride.
"All the players have bought into the process and while we are not getting the results at the moment, there is willingness and an eagerness among the guys to get that first win.
"We can get a result if we can put a full 80 minutes together, something we haven't done this season," he said.
The Blues team is: 1.Tony Woodcock, 2.Tom McCartney, 3.John Afoa, 4.Kurtis Haiu, 5.Anthony Boric, 6.Jerome Kaino, 7.Serge Lilo, 8.Peter Saili, 9.Alby Mathewson, 10.Daniel Kirkpatrick, 11.Paul Williams, 12.Benson Stanley, 13.Rene Ranger, 14.Joe Rokocoko, 15.Isaia Toeava.
Reserves: 16.Tevita Mailau, 17.Charlie Faumuina, 18.Filo Paulo, 19.Viliami Ma'afu, 20.Chris Smylie, 21.Stephen Brett/George Pisi, 22.Anthony Tuitavake.