Sonny Bill Williams is among half a dozen leading Blues players who will miss the Super Rugby match with the Queensland Reds in Apia, in Samoa on Friday.
Coach Tana Umaga has omitted regular starters in halfback Augustine Pulu, flanker Blake Gibson, winger Matt Duffie and centre George Moala with niggling injuries after a demanding month.
Williams has not recovered sufficiently from the knee injury that forced him off in last week's 16‑16 draw with the Chiefs and prop Charlie Faumuina has tonsillitis.
The Blues will still have six All Backs on show including lock Patrick Tuipulotu, the in‑form No.8 Steven Luatua and rising star Rieko Ioane.
Midfielder Rene Ranger and captain James Parsons will also start, while prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi will come off the bench in Samoa's first‑ever Super Rugby match.
The Blues will play the Chiefs at 7.35pm Friday.
