The Blues, their playoffs chances slipping as New Zealand rivals the Hurricanes and Highlanders kick into gear, are gambling on a strong finish against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.
Already without left wing Rieko Ioane, who is finally having an All Black rest week, the Blues are leaving Karl Tu'inukuafe, James Parsons, Patrick Tuipulotu and Dalton Papalii on the reserves bench as they seek a first win since their victory over the Waratahs at Eden Park on April 6.
Since then they have lost to the Chiefs and Highlanders away and a bye last weekend saw them slip to 11th position. Unfortunately for the Blues, the Hurricanes and Highlanders are going the other way thanks to a resurgence of form which suggests they will both be difficult propositions in the playoffs.
One of the big factors in the Blues' wins over the Highlanders, Stormers and Waratahs was the impact provided by the bench and head coach Leon MacDonald is going back to the tried and tested. The Brumbies have also just returned from a difficult tour of South Africa and Argentina, so they could be vulnerable in the final quarter.
One notable starter for the Blues is Blake Gibson, who will lead the side from openside flanker after being sidelined by a badly cut knee.