Queensland's huge Super 14 challenge to win back respect and self-belief with a trans-Tasman upset has gained some help with the star-studded Blues resting two key men.

Blues coach Pat Lam has taken the chance to give All Black forwards Keven Mealamu and Jerome Kaino a breather by putting them on the bench for Saturday's clash at North Harbour Stadium.

Lam has also recalled five-eighth Tasesa Lavea from injury in place of Jimmy Gopperth as his side prepares for a tough final three matches against fellow play-off contenders the Hurricanes, Brumbies and Crusaders.

Hooker Tom McCartney gets his first-ever run-on start role for the fifth-placed Aucklanders with skipper Mealamu rested while veteran flanker Justin Collins comes back from a hamstring injury to take the captaincy duties.

Collins' inclusion sees a back-row reshuffle with No.8 Jerome Kaino, who has a couple of niggling injuries, going onto a powerful bench which also includes New Zealand Test lock Ali Williams who returns from an Achilles injury.

The Reds flew to Auckland on Thursday desperate to atone for an embarrassing 31-20 home loss to the Lions which left them languishing in second last on the ladder with a 2-7 record.

Queensland have won just one match on NZ soil since 1999 and are without a win away from home dating back 20 matches and three years.

Veteran lock Van Humphries, recalled to the Reds pack after overcoming shoulder and quad injuries, said pride was on the line for the perennial competition battlers.

"Basically the only way to get your self-belief back is to win the game and get back on track and start building your confidence back up," he said.

"That starts at the whistle on the weekend and taking it up to them.

"We're getting pressure from outside but as a group we know we've got a job to do and we're trying to do everything we can to get on top of it."

Missing from the Blues' 22 is winger Rene Ranger who has been stood down pending a police inquiry and NZRU misconduct hearing into an alleged assault.

Blues: Paul Williams, Joe Rokocoko, Anthony Tuitavake, Isaia Toeava, Rudi Wulf, Tasesa Lavea, Taniela Moa, Chris Lowrey, Josh Blackie, Justin Collins (capt), Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiu, Charlie Faumuina, Tom McCartney, Tony Woodcock. Res: Keven Mealamu, Tevita Mailau, Ali Williams, Jerome Kaino/Peter Saili, Grayson Hart, Jimmy Gopperth, Michael Hobbs.

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