Akira Ioane has been given the chance to remind the world about his talent after being elected to wear the No 6 jersey against the Chiefs in Hamilton this Saturday.
The Blues side have made three changes from Sunday's 30-20 win against the Hurricanes, with Tom Robinson and fellow flanker Blake Gibson ruled out due to injury.
Dalton Papali'i will slot into the No 7 jersey, and Tony Lamborn grabs a spot on the bench after impressing earlier in the season.
As expected, Beauden Barrett stays at fullback with Otere Black retaining the No 10 jersey after an impressive outing against the Hurricanes.
MacDonald says they know that depth will be really important in this competition and they are fortunate to have the likes of Dalton and Akira to come into the starting line-up.
MacDonald has unsurprisingly opted for continuity in the back line, where the combinations of Sam Nock and Black at No 9-No 10, and TJ Faiane and Rieko Ioane in the midfield.
The Chiefs have a formidable recent record against the Blues, losing just once in the past 17 encounters, including eight home wins.
Five of those Chiefs' wins at home have been by seven points or less, while the Blues are enjoying a hot run of form away from home.
If the Blues beat the Chiefs it will be their fifth win on the road in succession, which is a new record for them
The Blues will take on the Chiefs at 7.05pm Saturday while the Crusaders will face the Hurricanes at 3.35pm Sunday.
Blues: Beauden Barrett, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane, TJ Faiane, Caleb Clarke, Otere Black, Sam Nock, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali'i, Akira Ioane, Josh Goodhue, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Ofa Tuungafasi, James Parsons, Alex Hodgman.
Replacemements: Kurt Eklund, Marcel Renata, Sione Mafileo, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Matt Duffie
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