The stinging NSW Waratahs are pledging to fight fire with fire in a Super Rugby Pacific litmus test against a potent Blues forward pack.
Waratahs coach Darren Coleman has made several changes from last week's tough defeat, with Max Jorgensen (hip) the big omission.
Catch every game of Super Rugby Pacific LIVE on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now
Mark Nawaqanitawase will start at fullback, with Dylan Pietsch returning from an eye injury suffered in the win over the Crusaders.
Mahe Vailanu and Theo Fourie have both picked up concussions, paving the way for Jay Fonokalafi to make his Super Rugby debut from the bench.
Coleman has named a brand new front-row, with Hayden Thompson-Stringer and Julian Heaven set for their starting debuts.
It pushes Angus Bell to the reserves alongside the returning Lachlan Swinton.
“It was awesome to be back at Allianz last week and hopefully we can build on that crowd this Saturday,” winger Triston Reilly said, who retains his spot.
“The support of our fans has such a big impact on us as players and you could really feel their support as the game went down to the wire against the Highlanders.”
Flanker Charlie Gamble is excited for the challenge to go up against Blues skipper Dalton Papali'i, as well as having to contend with Hoskins Sotutu and Akira Ioane in a Test-strength Blues back row.
"They've got an unreal back row, an All Black-quality back row" Gamble said on Tuesday.
"We've just got to fight fire with fire. We feel like we've got a quality back row ourselves.
"The only thing with the Blues being a big pack is you've just got to take it to them."
Gamble has been taking it to the Kiwis all his life and relishes challenges like this week's.
"I'm quite lucky," he said. "I've played these guys all through age group and I know a few of them so been able to play them week in week out.
"Dalton (and I) have come across each other a few times over the years, so it's pretty good, pretty exciting to go up against him.
"He's playing quality footy at the moment so it's a big test for myself.
"I guess, like me growing up as a Cantabrian and he's from Auckland, that rivalry growing up through the age grades has always been quite big.
"We've just got to let the footy do the talking on the field and see how we go."
