Ma'a Nonu slots in for Blues as Sonny Bill Williams lends a hand in Christchurch

It sounds a little incongruous, but the Blues are happy to be without their influential midfielder Sonny Bill Williams this week, of all weeks.

And it's got nothing to do with the fact that they've got a 103-test, two-time World Cup-winning All Blacks legend in the form of 36-year-old Ma'a Nonu on hand to step in and assume the No 12 jersey on Friday night against the Highlanders at Eden Park.

Williams was a principal figure last time out in the Blues' first victory of the Super Rugby season, 28-20 over the Sunwolves in Albany. He assumed the captaincy, rallied his men splendidly and played a decent strong-running hand in an important result heading into the bye. Afterwards he talked about how he just wanted to get back out and play again.

But now he's disappeared for the week, New Zealand's highest profile sporting Muslim deciding he needed to spend time with his people in their hour of need in Christchurch, and taking one of the designated breaks that are his right as an All Black.

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​As it turned out the Blues also felt Christchurch, not Auckland, was where Williams – who played for the Crusaders in 2010 and '11 – needed to be this week. It was where they felt he could make the biggest difference.

"We were going to ask Sonny if he'd like to make the decision to go, so we were all in agreement and it was a pretty short conversation," said Blues assistant coach Tom Coventry at training on Wednesday. "We all knew how hard he took it, so it was a pretty simple decision."

Coventry described Williams' willingness to embrace his people in their time of need as "admirable".

"His faith is strong. He felt for the people of Christchurch … We admire what he's standing for and that he wanted to go down there and grieve and be part of the support for the region and people of New Zealand.

"He has our best wishes. It's a sign of Sonny's caring side. Rugby is important to everyone but it's just a game and people, the region and our country come first when it comes to dealing with these sorts of issues."

Williams' midfield partner, centre TJ Faiane, said the Blues players all had his back on this decision, never mind his importance to their cause.

"The boys are behind the people of Christchurch, especially the Muslim community," said Faiane who will partner Nonu in the centres against the Highlanders. "Obviously Sonny is affected by it and we support the decision he's making of going down and supporting the people in Christchurch."

Faiane said all the Blues were aware of their responsibilities, not just as rugby players, but New Zealanders.

"The incident has affected everyone in the country, and we support Sonny with every decision he makes. Sonny is just a pro, a good bloke as well, and he cares about everyone."

The Blues, like everyone in their country, will go about their work this week with a heavy heart as they return to action looking to snap a 20-match winless streak against Kiwi rivals in Super Rugby.

It's a state they've actually become familiar with, after struggling through their previous two outings while dealing with the sudden death of squadmate Mike Tamoaieta.

"It's been an emotional month for the boys, and I think rugby is a good distraction," said Faiane. Coventry said his players had been through a "torrid time" but were pleased to be able to get back to what they do. "We are a rugby team, it's our job, it's what we do every day, what we enjoy, and getting back on the field will be good."

To that end the Blues have kept things pretty steady as they face up to a Highlanders outfit who sit six points above them on the standings after two victories, two defeats and last week's abandoned match declared a draw against the Crusaders.

Including Nonu's midfield recall, there are just three changes to the starting XV. Jonathan Ruru returns as starting halfback, with Augustine Pulu dropping back to the bench, while a fit again Alex Hodgman starts at loosehead prop, as All Black Karl Tu'inukuafe slots back on to the pine. The team will be captained for the first time by openside flanker Blake Gibson after his successful first appearance of the campaign in Albany.

The Blues have four All Blacks on a power-packed bench, and might even add a fifth if Matt Duffie is needed. The 2017 November tourist has been bracketed as outside backs cover with rookie Levi Aumua who has been battling illness.

Props Ofa Tuungafasi and Tu'inukuafe (who will swap roles this week off the bench as part of the plan to develop their ability to cover both sides), lock Patrick Tuipulotu and loose forward Dalton Papalii complete the international contingent on the bench that the Blues hope could be a difference-maker.

"The boys who performed against the Sunwolves were good, and have been rewarded with another turn starting," said Coventry. "But the modern game is a 23-man sport, and sometimes finishing the game is where you need to be strong. Hopefully those boys add some value this week off the bench."

The Blues will need it. With or without SBW, their record against their Kiwi mates has not been flash.

BLUES: Melani Nanai, Tanielu Tele'a, TJ Faiane, Ma'a Nonu, Rieko Ioane, Harry Plummer, Jonathan Ruru; Akira Ioane, Blake Gibson (capt), Tom Robinson, Josh Goodhue, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Sione Mafileo, James Parsons, Alex Hodgman. Reserves: Leni Apisai, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Patrick Tuipulotu, Dalton Papalii, Augustine Pulu, Otere Black, Levi Aumua/Matt Duffie.