Performing well on occasions, but not for consistent periods, is what the Blues want to overcome when taking on the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday.

Coach Leon MacDonald said, "We performed well against the Crusaders but weren't quite able to get across the line, so this is an opportunity for us to show we are one of the top teams, and I feel we are in the Super eight and this is a chance for us to prove that.

He said the game was significant for both teams, with much at stake.

"It's a big game for us around momentum and for us to catapult our season. We know we haven't had a performance we can be proud of and that's something we're searching for."

The Chiefs would want to get one back on last season's result when the Blues held them scoreless for the first time in Super Rugby history.

But both teams wanted to use their backs and throw the ball around.

"Damian [McKenzie] has added a bit of spark to their attack. He is dangerous, he is on the ball a lot and running around the park with a lot of freedom. There's a lot of players in good form. Shaun Stevenson at fullback is having an outstanding season built on the back of a pretty physical forward pack."

The clash of the leading rivals for the openside flanker's role with the All Blacks between respective captains Dalton Papali'i and Sam Cane is one of many through the sides.

MacDonald said both players were influential for their sides for how they played, the bravery they showed and the rugged approach that marked their games.

"They try to catch that inch in the middle, get the turnovers, big tackle rates, they're going to be right in the thick of it and both teams follow their skippers into battle and that's what they'll both be looking to do this weekend."

The All Blacks who were rested last week had come back in refreshed and adding value to the preparations by adding to the intensity of training.

"This game you don't have to push too many buttons, there's always feeling in it from both sides – local rivalry and a lot of history. It doesn't take much to get these guys on edge."

Flanker Anton Segner has been included, with Adrian Croat out due to a head knock and Akira Ioane not being ready to return.

"Anton's form has been outstanding so he's earned the right to start and he's looking forward to a big game."

The Blues take on the Chiefs at 7.05pm NZT, Saturday 1 April, at FMG Stadium Waikato.