The Blues have named an unchanged starting lineup for Saturday's Super Rugby Aotearoa clash against the Highlanders at Eden Park in Auckland.
Depie many players pushing for selection, coach Leon MacDonald has opted to stick with the core of players which sees the Blues sit top of the Super Rugby Aotearoa standings after hard fought wins over the Hurricanes and Chiefs.
With Blake Gibson and Tom Robinson injured, Dalton Papalii and Akria Ioane retain their spots in the loose forward - the only changes MacDonald was forced to make the previous week.
Otere Black's excellent form at first-five sees Beauden Barrett remain at fullback.
"The whole square are training hard, and our current starters are getting tests at every training session which is what we want," says MacDonald.
"This group continues to do the business. They are developing well to the style of game they want to play and adapting positively to the new rule emphasis, which will lead to a more exciting and fluid game."
"It is the last game before our first bye which will give us the opportunity to reset for the next block of games.
There is one change on the bench with England centre Joe Marchant replacing Matt Duffie in what will be his final game before returning to his Harlequins club in London.
Marchant has played six games since being in New Zealand, scoring three tries, including a double against the Stormers in Cape Town.
"He has been a popular and outstanding member of the team and we will miss him," MacDonald added.
"He has contributed well on and off the field and we are confident he will return as a more complete footballer for the experience when he returns to Harlequins."
Despite the Highlanders winning 11 of their last 15 games against the Blues, MacDonald's side tasted victory last time they met in Auckland last March.
Blues: 1-Alex Hodgman, 2-James Parsons, 3-Ofa Tuungafasi , 4-Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5-Josh Goodhue, 6-Akira Ioane, 7-Dalton Papalii, 8-Hoskins Sotutu, 9-Sam Nock, 10-Otere Black, 11-Caleb Clarke, 12-TJ Faiane, 13-Rieko Ioane, 14-Mark Telea, 15-Beauden Barrett
Reserves: 16-Kurt Eklund, 17-Marcel Renata, 18-Sione Mafileo, 19-Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 20-Tony Lamborn 21-Finlay Christie, 22-Harry Plummer, 23-Joe Marchant
Join us for live updates of Blues v Highlanders from 7pm Saturday
