Blues head coach Leon MacDonald wants his All Blacks stars to stand up in their massive fixture against the Chiefs this weekend.
The Aucklanders have had a decent start to the season winning three from five but no one has been better than the Chiefs who are the only unbeaten side in the competition.
The return of Damian McKenzie has been crucial for the Waikato men, who look far more dangerous than last term.
Big players for big games
MacDonald knows the importance of games like these in the context of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season and he wants to see his internationals put their hand up.
Click Here: Kangaroos Rugby League Jersey
“I can’t help myself,” MacDonald told Stuff. “I get a little bit emotional around these games. They’re the games you want to play in. They’re the big games. If you want to be an All Black you’ve got to excel on the biggest stage, in front of tough crowds, against tough opposition. This is a chance for our players to do that and put their hands up.
“There are a lot of guys playing for All Blacks jerseys and that’s probably in the back of their minds. It’s about getting the result for their teams. They’re both very passionate, proud teams, representing proud regions, and it’s going to be a great battle.”
Titanic battle
The game includes a blockbuster match-up between All Blacks skipper Sam Cane and Blues captain Dalton Papali’i.
The Blues boss praised both players and expects a brilliant battle between them.
“Both are fantastic, influential players – the heart of their teams,” he said. “They play with a lot of bravery, they’re both rugged guys, and trying to catch that inch in the middle, get the turnovers, with big tackle-rates. They’re going to be right in thick of it as both teams follow their skippers into battle.”
Rivalry
The clash is already fuelled up on history and MacDonald is hoping to use it to accelerate their season.
“This is a game where you don’t have to push too many buttons,” said MacDonald. “There’s always feeling in it. It’s a rivalry with a lot of history, and it doesn’t take much to get these guys on edge.
“We’ve shown glimpses of what we’re capable of. We performed well against the Crusaders but weren’t able to get across the line. This is an opportunity to show we’re one of the top teams. It’s s big game for us around momentum and to catapult our season.”