Building on their effort against the Reds last week when playing the Hurricanes at Eden Park on Saturday is driving the Blues in their Super Rugby Pacific game.

Coach Leon MacDonald is aware the Blues haven't been as successful against New Zealand sides as fans preferred and said with so much to play for now, they had to be playing well in the big games against the best opposition.

The lure of a home playoff game was an added factor.

He said their win over the Reds gave them the template for the remainder of the season.

"We got the ball to space a lot better, whether in the middle of the field or on the edges. On the back of that, we created more with ball in hand, which is how we want to play.

"When we kicked, we kicked on our terms, so last week's game was a good template for us."

MacDonald was wary of the Hurricanes' attacking success and mindful that their Alexandra Park training base was heavy underfoot, they shifted their training to the Grammar Club at Orakei to prepare on a surface similar to what they could expect at Eden Park.

"They're dangerous, confident, ball-runners, a physical team full of game breakers. It's an exciting challenge for us.

"You've got to be on because they can score tries from anyone. Cam Roigard from nine has been outstanding around the fringes and creating a lot of momentum for them, so they have got threats across the park.

"It's going to be a great game, with two teams that want to play attacking rugby. They're going to be at full-strength, and we're pretty close to full strength as well."

Beauden Barrett's absence through injury, which occurred at the same time as his All Blacks' rest, sees Harry Plummer start at first five-eighths with Bryce Heem given a start at second five-eighths. Stephen Perofeta has recovered from his shoulder injury but will come off the bench during the game.

"Harry has done a great job for us at 12 and played for us at 10 last week against the Reds, so it's nice to have some continuity.

"We want guys feeling nervous about their positions every week. That's what brings the best out of you when you know you have to perform well. Some of the guys at the weekend were outstanding.

"Bryce was a standout, so Rieko is starting to feel a bit nervous and the same with AJ Lam on the wing with Caleb. So all that stuff is great for our squad.