Luke McAlister will replace Stephen Brett as the starting five eighth for the Blues' Super Rugby match against neighbours the Chiefs in Auckland on Saturday night.

McAlister shifts from inside centre for only his third appearance in the No.10 jersey for the season as the Blues look to consolidate their position at the top of the New Zealand conference.

Coach Pat Lam said on Thursday that the decision to drop Brett to the bench was made on form.

"Stephen is the first to admit that his form in the last few weeks has not been up to his usual high standard, so Luke gets the opportunity," he said.

Benson Stanley returns from a head knock to inside centre, with Lam saying he wanted Stanley there for his defence.

In other changes to the starting 15, Rene Ranger is restored to one of the wing spots in place of Sherwin Stowers, while hooker Keven Mealamu gets a breather on the bench.

With Mealamu in the reserves, Tom McCartney reverts from stand-in prop to hooker, while Tevita Mailau comes into the front row.

Loose forward Jerome Kaino takes over from Mealamu as skipper.

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