The Blues have made three personnel changes to their starting 15 and reshuffled their backline for Friday night's Super 14 rugby match against the Waratahs in Auckland.

Paul Williams returns to the run-on side at fullback, after making a comeback from injury in the Blues' 63-34 hammering at the hands of the Chiefs in Hamilton last weekend.

Williams' inclusion means Isaia Toeava goes to centre and Anthony Tuitavake shifts to the wing in place of Rene Ranger, who drops to the bench.

Also going to the bench is inside back Michael Hobbs, who has been the starting inside centre for the past two weeks, but trades place with Jamie Helleur.

In the forwards, Onosa'i Auva'a has replaced Justin Collins (hamstring) at openside flanker.

Prop Tony Woodcock's continuing problem with an ear infection means Tevita Mailau retains the loosehead spot.

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