The Blues' plans to squeeze the Lions up front have taken a hit with All Black frontrowers Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock still parked in the casualty room.
The test duo have been joined there by concussed flanker Chris Lowrey and wings Rene Ranger and George Moala who were injured in the side's last match with the Hurricanes.
Only Piri Weepu at halfback and Hadleigh Parkes at fullback remain in the same role they had last week in Wellington.
There are similar backline shuffles for the Lions because centre Alwyn Hollenbach injured his knee and had to be sent home.
Coach Pat Lam has made a solitary change in his pack with Daniel Braid returning for the injured Lowrey while John Mitchell has named an unchanged pack as the bottom-placed sides duel tomorrow at Eden Park.
