Veteran All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock and captain Luke Braid will both sit out the Blues' final Super Rugby outing against the Chiefs.
Coach Sir John Kirwan felt it wasn't worth risking the pair for Friday's match at Eden Park.
Woodcock injured a shoulder in last week's loss to the Crusaders while Braid is set to undergo surgery.
"Woody's had a great season for us, so it's a big loss," Kirwan said.
"It's unfortunate, but he's not quite 100 per cent and we need to make sure he's fine."
Braid has been carrying a shoulder injury all season and on Thursday will be operated on.
"He's been having issues so he needs to have double shoulder reconstruction," Kirwan said.
Sam Prattley will replace Woodcock at loosehead prop, while Brendon O'Connor comes in for Braid.
Blues: Charles Piutau, Lolagi Visinia/George Moala, Francis Saili, Ma'a Nonu, Tevita Li, Ihaia West, Bryn Hall, Jerome Kaino, Brendon O'Connor, Steven Luatua, Tom Donnelly, Patrick Tuipulotu, Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu (capt), Sam Prattley. Reserves: James Parsons, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Angus Ta'avao, Hayden Triggs, Peter Saili, Jamison Gibson-Park, Jackson Willison, George Moala/Albert Nikoro.
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