The Blues have rushed Luke McAlister straight back into the starting 15 for Friday's vital super 14 match against the Force in Perth.
McAlister has recovered from a broken jaw and replaces Sam Tuitupou at second five, in one of three changes to the team hammered by the Bulls in Pretoria.
Derren Witcombe replaces All Black Keven Mealamu at hooker, while Nick Williams returns to number eight with Jerome Kaino switching to the blindside flank in place of Angus McDonald.
All Black lock Ali Williams remains on the bench but there is still no place for All Black wing Joe Rokocoko in the 22.
Blues coach David Nucifora says coaching staff have looked at the competition permutations, and the equation for them is simple. He says the main thing is that the Blues win and make the top four.
Nucifora says if the Blues win they will base themselves in Sydney until they know where they have to travel to.
The entire starting line up is : Tony Woodcock, Derren Witcombe, John Afoa, Greg Rawlinson, Troy Flavell, Jerome Kaino, Daniel Braid, Nick Williams, Steve Devine, Isa Nacewa, Rudi Wulf, Luke McAlister, Isaia Toeava, Doug Howlett, George Pisi.
In the reserves : Keven Mealamu, Nick White, Ali Williams, Justin Collins, Taniela Moa, Ben Atiga and Anthony Tuitavake.
Henare Te Ua has succumbed to emphysema and lung cancer, dying in Auckland Hospital aged 74
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