Both teams lost their opening games last weekend.
Blues coach Vern Cotter said the Blues were running on diesel in their opening-round loss and were caught out by the intensity of the Chiefs' performance.
During the week, they have discussed the intensity they need to bring this weekend against the Highlanders.
"We weren't even good at what we were trying to do last year, last week."
Having No8 Hoskins Sotutu back is a boost.
"He gives that little bit of X factor and a little touch around the ball and plays, and whether it's getting wider or carrying close, he is very skilful.
"What he does have is magnificent anticipation, he'll read things other players don't quite see. It's nice to have him back in there and it connects with the players he has spent a lot of time with. He'll bring something extra."
Jamie Joseph's return as Highlanders coach caused Cotter to check out their last-minute loss to the Waratahs.
"We know how he operates and Brownie's [Tony Brown] been in there as well. They started the season well and have had more time with their players during the preseason."
The Blues want to make the Highlanders' first home game a tough one despite the prospect of a rowdy stadium during Otago University's Orientation Week.
"We'd like to go down there and put in a decent performance and sort of spoil the party."
He was conscious of the dangers of getting swept up in an environment with cover and no wind factor and being tempted to loosen up early.
"If there's an opportunity, you've got to take it, but at the same time, you don't want to run yourself into a hole.
"They're very smart. They try to have teams overplay and come over the top of them at the end. We're aware of that.
"It's about varying our tactics depending on where we are in the game. Are we behind, or are we in front? Do we need to control it better?
"We learned a lot from last week's game about controlling, and being more accurate in certain situations, kicking when we need to kick, playing when we need to play and being more accurate all over."
Captain Patrick Tuipulotu said being beaten up by the Chiefs up front wasn't ideal.
Physicality has been the theme of their preparation.
"We've been trying to get back to what is an important part of our game and what we base our game on – rugby's a collision sport. So it's about getting our heads back into that mindset."
Tuipulotu said Sotutu was motivated for his first appearance of the season.
"He's big on proving a lot of people wrong and his focus is on trying to play back into the form he left off with last year."
Tuipulotu said the law changes aimed at speeding the game up may have been a factor in the Blues' being slower at the breakdown and not as quick off the ground as the Chiefs.
"The Highlanders are a robust and cohesive team, and their defence around the ruck was strong."