Blues lock Josh Bekhuis will miss his first game of the Super Rugby season after failing to get over a calf injury.
Bekhuis has been replaced by Hoani Matenga in one of two changes to the starting line-up to face the Lions on Sunday (NZ time) in Johannesburg.
A key member of the Blues' pack, Bekhuis tweaked the calf in the 34-18 win over the Kings last weekend in Port Elizabeth.
The former Highlander brought up his 100th Super Rugby appearance earlier in the year and, along with winger Tevita Li and loose forward Steven Luatua, has played in every Blues match this season.
The other change to the run-on side is in the front row.
With coach Tana Umaga expecting a big battle up front, All Black Charlie Faumuina comes in for Ofa Tu'ungafasi, who goes to the bench.
The Blues are seventh in the Australasian group, six points out of a top-five playoff spot but with a game in hand.
The Lions' last outing before their bye last round resulted in a 50-17 drubbing at home against the Hurricanes, but they remain second in the South African group.
Blues: Lolagi Visinia, Melani Nanai, George Moala, Piers Francis, Tevita Li, Ihaia West, Bryn Hall, Steven Luatua, Tanerau Latimer, Jerome Kaino, Hoani Matenga, Patrick Tuipulotu, Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons (capt), Sam Prattley. Res: Quentin MacDonald, Nic Mayhew, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Kara Pryor, Joe Edwards, Billy Guyton, Matt McGahan, Male Sa'u.
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