KEY POINTS:
The Chiefs are determined not to fall into the same trap as the Blues when they play the fiery Sharks at Hamilton tomorrow night.
A week ago, the Blues got caught up in plenty of off-the-ball niggle and a formidable Sharks team, combining classy backs and a rugged pack, came away with a well-deserved win over the then Super 14 leaders.
The Chiefs, now in the top four for the first time, are facing the most crucial game of their campaign and are intent on keeping their cool in a way the Blues did not.
"Our challenge is not to respond too much, just keep our eyes on the ball and focus on the game," Chiefs coach Ian Foster said yesterday.
"We saw a Blues team that got distracted last week and paid the price. We can't fall into the same trap."
The Sharks, who are third, seven points and one spot ahead of the Chiefs, perhaps looking to heighten the mind games have added Springbok team psychologist Henning Gericke to their party for tomorrow night's match. Gericke described his job as ensuring "the psycho-dynamics are right" in the team.
"The key to beating the All Blacks or any New Zealand team is to get into their faces and not to give them respect," he added.
The Chiefs have made three changes from last week, recalling first choice loosehead prop Simms Davison and flanker Marty Holah while Brendon Leonard takes over from injured halfback Byron Kelleher.
Defence has been a key part of the Chiefs' preparation this week. Having turned in a strong job against the Blues three weeks ago, they have conceded 10 tries in their last two games.
"Certainly we lost a bit of intensity defensively. It's about getting back into that frame of mind for what will obviously be a very physical game."
Eight changes for Blues
Blues coach David Nucifora has made eight changes for their match against the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday.
There are five backline alterations and three in the pack as Nucifora prepares for a three-game push to ensure the second-placed Blues stay in the top two of the Super 14 and secure a home semifinal.
Gone from the starting XV beaten 32-25 by the Sharks in a testy match at North Harbour are backs Ben Atiga, Doug Howlett, Rudi Wulf, Isa Nacewa and Steve Devine, flanker Angus Macdonald, lock Greg Rawlinson and hooker Derren Witcombe.
Promising George Pisi gets a chance at fullback, Anthony Tuitavake and Joe Rokocoko, in his first start, are on the wings, and veteran David Holwell and David Gibson go behind the scrum.
Up front, Jerome Kaino moves to blindside flank, with Nick Williams coming in at No 8; and All Blacks Ali Williams and Keven Mealamu get starts.
The Blues are three points ahead of the Sharks, but face the Bulls in Pretoria and the Force in Perth to finish.
