Western Force back Harry Potter believes his side can turn things around following their 56-22 loss to the Chiefs in Tauranga with a historic maiden win at Eden Park.
The Auckland fortress has not been a happy hunting ground for the Force - who have never beaten the Blues there since their introduction to Super Rugby back in 2006.
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While Potter admitted the side was hurting following the Chiefs' running away with the match in the second half, there was optimism that the team could recover their improving form against a desperate Blues outfit, who went down to the Reds during ANZAC Weekend Round. "We certainly had a fair few lessons to learn in the second half of that game," Potter admitted.
"It felt like we, for 40 minutes, were taking the team at the top of the table pretty close on the scoreline. The mood's been a bit down with what happened in the second half there."
The Force were hampered by the loss of Atu Moli and captain Jeremy Williams in the pre-game warm up, however both are expected to be available this weekend, as the Force play their third Kiwi opposition in as many weeks.
"The Blues certainly can't be taken lightly this season," Potter added.
"They're a seriously good team and Super Rugby champs. It would be special to win because the Western Force haven't won there. It's a pretty special one to be made if we can do a job this weekend.
Potter has fitted in on the wing with Dylan Pietsch sidelined with a quad injury and has made the most of the opportunity, with the one-capped Wallaby scoring seven tries so far this season - including a contender for try of the year on Friday night.
"Touring's a good opportunity to spend a bit more time with each other," explained Potter.
"It's a great bunch of boys we've got here, we know what we need to work on in order to get the improvements we need."
A notable inclusion in the Force squad over in Tauranga was Kurtley Beale, who has been working his way back from an Achilles injury that ended his 2024 Wallaby prospects.
With Bayley Kuenzle revealing last week that the Wallaby veteran could be in line to return against the Blues - Potter discussed the star's influence behind the scenes.
"[He's] a great fella and great to have on tour with the lads," he added.
"It's been good to have him and his awareness of the game, and chucking in his two cents when he can."
