Blues coach Tana Umaga isn't writing off the Sharks' chances on Saturday night, saying they'll be fired up after their 46-14 loss to the Melbourne Rebels last week.
Umaga told reporters this afternoon that his side need to step it up a gear after their sub-par performance so far in the Super Rugby season.
"We have nothing to stand on in terms of battering anyone, so we are in the same boat," said Umaga.
"We are at home and we understand that they're hurt after taking a beating over there in Melbourne and we know that they are looking at us as a wounded duck over here.
"We've got to make sure that we step up to that and that is the challenge we have put in front of these guys (Blues players)."
The Blues have only won one out of their four Super Rugby matches this season and linger at the bottom of the New Zealand conference.
"They come into our house in front of our families and friends, our home base and we want to see what that means to our players. It means a lot that's what we say, now we have got to show it."
Blues starting team to face the Sharks: 15 Michael Collins, 14 Jordan Trainor, 13 George Moala, 12 Rieko Ioane, 11 Melani Nanai, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 9 Jonathan Ruru, 8 Akiroa Ioane, 7 Murphy Taramai, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Josh Goodhue, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Mike Tamoaieta, 2 James Parsons, 1 Pauliasi Manu.
Reserves: 16 Leni Apisai, 17 Ross Wright, 18 Sione Mafileo, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Kara Pryor, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Bryn Gatland, 23 TJ Faiane.
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