The Blues will be trying to snap a nine game losing streak to the Chiefs when the two side's contest tonight's super rugby local derby in Hamilton.
The Chiefs sit at the top of the New Zealand conference with five wins from six matches while the Blues have won just two of their five matches.
The Blues assignment is made tougher with the Chiefs including All Black lock Brodie Retallick and former Crusaders lock Dominic Bird in their statrting line-up.
Blues coach Tana Umaga takes his side through their paces ahead of the match against the Chiefs. Photo: Photosport
Retallick has recovered from broken ribs he suffered earlier in the season while Bird will play his first game for his new franchise, after suffering a broken foot in pre-season training.
It's bad timing for the Blues forward pack, who'll be without lock, Patrick Tuipulotu, for at least two weeks due to a fractured hand.
Captain, Jerome Kaino, is still recovering from a shoulder injury meaning Hoani Matenga will start at lock for the first time this season.
Umaga who played for the Chiefs in 2011 says the side under Dave Rennie is the goal for many franchises.
"They are what everyone wants to be, in terms of culture and commitment to each other..so every team is aware of that and trying to replicate that.
"We know they will come out motivated and they've got plenty of confidence... so we've just got to match that and do what we do and enjoy it," said Umaga.
