The Blues’ search for consistency will come up against the Waratahs’ desperation when the Super Rugby regular season enters its final round.
The match will be the last in 2016 for the Blues, who have now gone five years without making the finals.
But there have been heartening signs in recent weeks for a team under new coach Tana Umaga, including a 40-15 victory over Australian conference leaders the Brumbies last weekend.
“We’ve achieved some things internally and the next thing for us is consistency,” Umaga said.
“That’s what good sides do. They’re able to back up those performances week after week. That’s something we need to chase a bit harder.”
A victory at Eden Park on Friday night would also mean the Blues finish a season with more wins than losses for the first time since 2011.
But Umaga also knows they will be up against opponents with everything to play for.
The other New Zealand sides have claimed four of the five play-off spots available from the Australasian group, leaving the Brumbies and the Waratahs to battle for the remaining berth.
The pair are level on points, but the Brumbies sit above the Waratahs because they have had more wins.
“We know what the Waratahs bring,” Umaga said.
“They’re a desperate side at the moment. They need to play well and get a good result for their own season to keep tracking forward.”
Umaga has selected an unchanged run-on 15 for the third week in a row.
The line-up includes two players who have started every match this year – wing Tevita Li and loose forward Steven Luatua.
Four others have appeared in every game – five-eighth Ihaia West, halfback Bryn Hall, prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi and hooker and skipper James Parsons.
The bench features the bracketed inclusions of All Blacks George Moala and Charlie Faumuina, who could return from respective elbow and knee injuries subject to fitness tests.
taylorman
Guest
Yes will be watching the Blues take on your Blues tonight. Tahs will be in revenge mode and need to set the challenge for the Brumbies, who could slip up against the Force (easy to write anyway!) As RT's been saying all along its really about next year for this side but so far the signs are good. Real good- provded we hang on to those players!
puff
Guest
After been captivated by the Blues in their early heady days and herniating with despair every time OZ teams visited Eden Park. Then unexpectedly, a sense of normality returned and somehow Auckland with the strongest domestic comp in their nation gradually became a non identity. After numerous coaches who only offered irritation and despondency, Umaga arrived and has slowly discovered a rich vein, of team faith and conviction. Alas, last week the Brumbies were brutalized during their visit to the garden. Their game plan was less than expansive and for a team lining up to win our conference, dear, dear. The Tah’s also struggle with innovation and play their signature brand of rugby, slow, predictable and up the middle. Folau offers excitement and will probably enjoy playing at this park. But, I believe the Blues have bunkered down and if their set piece is intimidating and disruptive, it could be a rough night at my address. I have been critical of the Blues for some time. Although, sadly Aucklander’s may discover lost dignity and have reasons to smile come next season.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Yeah TM... not quite sure regards the bonus point thingy, but what I do know is my Tahs just gotta beat your tragic Blues. Just gotta do it. Must win! :) Of course, if da Brums should lose to da Farce, then with our magnificent victory over the tragic Blues would see us go through. And when I say go through, I mean we go through just to make the numbers up :)) Good luck for this game... and I'm also really looking forward to the Kiwi derbies. Should be some lip smacking, bone crunching, leave it all out there shyte eh!?!
taylorman
Guest
ha ha...have I got this right...If the Tahs win and the Brumbies lose to or draw with the Force, however unlikely, Tahs go through dont they? If the Tahs win with a bonus point and the Brumbies win without one, the Tahs go through dont they? Thats probably their best chance isnt it?
Machooka
Roar Guru
C'arn da Tahs... black and bluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuue 'em!! :)
taylorman
Guest
Cmon the Bluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuues!! :-)