Midfield back Luke McAlister will make a return to the Blues' starting line-up for their Super Rugby match against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday.

McAlister, who started last Friday's 40-23 win over the Melbourne Rebels on the bench, swaps places with Benson Stanley in one of two changes to the side named on Wednesday.

All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock, ruled out with a foot injury, has been replaced by prop Tevita Mailau.

Fears that Woodcock may have been sidelined for the rest of the season were allayed after a scan found no major ligament damage and he is expected to make a return in three weeks.

However, lock Filo Paulo will be out for the rest of the season after fracturing a bone under his big toe.

His place on the bench has been taken by North Harbour lock James King.

Blues: Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko, Jared Payne, Luke McAlister, Rene Ranger, Stephen Brett, Alby Mathewson, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tevita Mailau. Res: Tom McCartney, Pauliasi Manu, James King, Chris Lowrey, Toby Morland, Benson Stanley, Lachie Munro.

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