Injuries, suspension and bereavement have cut deep into the Blues' stocks ahead of their Super Rugby showdown with the Stormers on Friday.

Coach Pat Lam has been forced to call two players from the wider training group into the 22 for the trip to Cape Town.

Rene Ranger has been handed a two week ban for a dangerous tackle on the Bulls' Bjorn Basson, while fellow backs Michael Hobbs, Isaia Toeava, Rudi Wulf and George Moala are all back in New Zealand.

As a result Auckland midfielder Hadleigh Parkes and Sevens star Ben Lam will provide cover on the bench.

David Raikuna replaces Rene Ranger on the wing in one of two enforced changes to the starting XV.

Anthony Boric has also been ruled out of the match with a neck injury, which will see Filo Paulo making his first appearance of the season at lock.

After a fine performance last week, Gareth Anscombe continues his starting role at flyhalf - partnered by the experienced Piri Weepu at scrumhalf and Ma'a Nonu at inside centre.

Those unavailable this week include Jerome Kaino, Michael Hobbs, Isaia Toeava, George Moala, Tony Woodcock, Rudi Wulf, Anthony Boric and Rene Ranger.

Blues: 15 Lachie Munro, 14 David Raikuna, 13 Benson Stanley, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sherwin Stowers, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Chris Lowrey, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Luke Braid, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Filo Paulo, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Pauliasi Manu.
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Tevita Mailau, 18 Brad Mika, 19 Peter Saili, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Hadleigh Parkes, 22 Ben Lam.

Date: Friday, March 16
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Stefan Breytenbach (South Africa)
TMO: Johann Meuwesen (South Africa)