A run of three successive defeats has not led to wholesale changes for the Blues ahead of their Super Rugby match against the Crusaders at Timaru on Saturday night.

Coach Pat Lam on Thursday made more positional than personnel changes, with the return of captain and hooker Keven Mealamu prompting a reshuffled front row.

Mealamu's return to the starting 15 sees Tom McCartney placed on the reserves bench while prop John Afoa has changed sides of the scrum to accommodate Charlie Faumuina, with Tevita Mailau named on the bench.

Jared Payne has been moved from centre to fullback, with Lachie Munro relegated to the bench, and the naming of Stephen Brett at first five-eighth sees Luke McAlister shunted out a spot to second-five, with Benson Stanley also bumped out a place to centre.

Blues: Jared Payne, Joe Rokocoko, Benson Stanley, Luke McAlister, Rene Ranger, Stephen Brett, Alby Mathewson, Peter Saili, Luke Braid, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu (capt), John Afoa. Res: Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, Chris Lowrey, Sean Polwart, Chris Smylie, Lachie Munro, Sherwin Stowerrs.

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