The Blues have suffered another blow with All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock ruled out of tomorrow night's game against the Reds at Eden Park with a calf strain.
It has been a wretched season for the Blues, who have won only one game and sit at the bottom of the Super Rugby ladder. Woodcock had been in good form since his late return to rugby following last year's World Cup. His place in the starting side will be taken by Tevita Mailau.
Coach Pat Lam has made a handful of changes, the most notable the return of Piri Weepu into halfback for Alby Mathewson, who goes to the bench.
Rudi Wulf will start on the wing after recovering from the shoulder injury that kept him out of last week's defeat to the Highlanders and Chris Lowrey, who has started every game so far this season, will come off the bench.
Blues: Hadleigh Parkes, George Moala, Rene Ranger, Ma'a Nonu, Rudi Wulf, Gareth Anscombe, Piri Weepu, Peter Saili, Luke Braid (c), Daniel Braid, Filo Paulo, Ali Williams, Charlie Faumuina, Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau. Reserves: James Parsons, Pauliasi Manu/Angus Ta'avao, Liaki Moli, Chris Lowrey, Alby Mathewson, Michael Hobbs, Benson Stanley.
