Ihaia West will wear the Blues No 10 jersey against the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday.
West replaces Dan Bowden, who has been ruled out for up to two weeks with a groin injury.
With Jerome Kaino having suffered a season-ending finger injury against the Force last weekend, Steven Luatua will captain the team from No 8.
Lolagi Visinia replaces the injured Charles Piutau at fullback, with Tevita Li starting on the left wing.
The front row is rotated with All Blacks Charlie Faumuina and James Parsons being rested.
Blues – 15 Lolagi Visinia. 14 Melani Nanai, 13 Francis Saili, 12 George Moala, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Ihaia West, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Steven Luatua (c), 7 Brendon O'Connor, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Hayden Triggs, 4 Culum Retallick, 3 Angus Ta'avao, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Subs: 16 Greg Pleasants-Tate, 17 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 18 Sam Prattley, 19 Josh Bekhuis, 20 Joe Edwards, 21 Jamison Gibson-Park, 22 Simon Hickey, 23 Hamish Northcott.
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
