The Blues have named their team to face the Hurricanes as Westpac Stadium in Wellington which has three changes including Michael Hobbs being handed the number 10 jersey.

Blues coach Pat Lam has made three changes to his starting line up - one of which was an injury enforced change as Rudi Wulf has a shoulder injury.

Wellington first five-eighths Hobbs has been promoted from the bench to take on many of his provincial teammates in one of three changes to the starting XV.

Gareth Anscombe has been dropped from the 22 altogether following a mixed performance against the Reds last week, with Lachie Munro set to provide cover on the bench.

"10 is quite an important general and this is part of Gareth's learning experience," Lam said on the Blues site.

"He's 20-years-old and Tyler Bleyendaal is going through the same thing at the Crusaders. It's a big thing to come through and run the game. It's a constant learning and I think that's one of the areas he is working on and I think this experience will hold him in good stead.

"Michael has been through quite a big transition and grieving process and he's coming out of that. He's been working hard at training, contributing, supporting Gareth and supporting others and he deserves his chance."

Blues head coach Pat Lam has reshuffled his backline, with Benson Stanley returning to centre as Rene Ranger shifts out to the wing in place of Rudi Wulf who has failed to overcome a shoulder injury.

In the forwards, Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock have also been unable to shrug off their calf injuries as Tevita Mailau and Tom McCartney remain in the starting XV.

Captain Luke Braid shifts from blindside to openside flanker, with Chris Lowrey starting at blindside in place of Daniel Braid.

Blues

1. Tevita Mailau , 2. Tom McCartney , 3. Charlie Faumuina , 4. Filo Paulo , 5. Ali Williams , 6. Chris Lowrey , 7. Luke Braid (c) , 8. Peter Saili , 9. Piri Weepu , 10. Michael Hobbs , 11. George Moala , 12. Ma'a Nonu , 13. Benson Stanley , 14. Rene Ranger , 15. Hadleigh Parkes

Replacements : 16. James Parsons , 17. Angus Ta'avao , 18. Liaki Moli , 19. Daniel Braid , 20. Alby Mathewson , 21. Lachie Munro , 22. David Raikuna