Even though this weekend's Super 14 semifinal will have Test match intensity, the Blues will not curb their naturally attacking flair against the Sharks.
This is the view of Sharks assistant coach John Plumtree.
Speaking ahead of the showdown on Saturday at the Absa Stadium, Plumtree said, "This is a massive game and pretty similar to a Test match.
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"The Blues are an outstanding team. They're good at the set-pieces and have strike-power out wide.
"They play the game with a lot of width and I don't think they'll change their expansive approach.
They are a naturally attacking team."
With near-perfect weather expected this weekend Plumtree hinted that the dry conditions would suit the New Zealand visitors.
"If anything the weather would be in their favour because they like to move the ball around.
With a dry ball on a hard field they can be pretty devastating," he added.
When the Sharks beat the Blues in Albany earlier this season, they employed an "in-your-face" style of play, which revolved around a solid performance from the pack, shutting the space down by advancing quickly on defence and a sound tactical kicking and chasing game.
Asked if the Sharks would stray from this approach, "Plum" suggested that the inclement climes in New Zealand had dictated the game-plan in their previous encounter with the Blues and that perhaps the home team would look to be more adventurous in Durban.
"One thing is certain, this will be a physical contest, and the Blues will expect that," he said.
After the last meeting in North Harbour Blues coach David Nucifora complained about his charges being manhandled off the ball by Sharks defenders before laying into referee Stuart Dickinson about not monitoring this.
Interestingly enough Dickinson has again been tasked with officiating in the game on Saturday and perhaps this time around Nucifora will have a quiet word with the referee about his concerns.
Plumtree is not worried about Nucifora planting preconceived ideas in Dickinson's head. "I think the last time we played them you heard an over-reaction from a disappointed coach talking, that's all.
"There were one or two little incidents but no more than what goes on in other Super 14 games.
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Meanwhile, both the Sharks and Blues have injury concerns ahead of their clash.
The Sharks are waiting for an update on the state of Deon Carstens' bruised hip, which has the loose-head prop doubtful for the semi.
If Carstens is unable to play either Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira, Pat Cilliers or Kees Lensing will start in his place.
Blues flyhalf-cum-centre Luke McAlister has been ruled out with a torn hamstring while midfielder Sam Tuitupo is nursing a neck strain.
The visitors have already lost their All Black lock Ali Williams, who was sent home for disciplinary reasons.
Williams has apparently been a disruptive presence since his return to the Blues side from the All Blacks conditioning camp, preferring to spend his time in nightclubs partying rather than preparing for games.
He has been suspended for four misdemeanours after a decision was made in conjunction with the Blues coaching staff and senior players.
Australian referee Matt Goddard has been chosen to officiate in the other Super 14 semi-final between the Bulls and the Crusaders at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Reds coach Eddie Jones must surely have grimaced when he saw the news that Goddard had been appointed for the Loftus match.
It was for seriously questioning Goddard's competence in the media that Jones was fined $10 000 by a Sanzar disciplinary committee earlier this season.
Under the code of conduct, coaches, captains, players and team officials are forbidden from making disparaging remarks about each other, and particularly referees, in public.
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