Umaga reacted further by making seven changes to his starting team this week. Some are injury-enforced, with Sonny Bill Williams (fractured wrist, 6-8 weeks) and lock Scott Scrafton (ACL, season-ending) big losses. All Blacks wing Matt Duffie and prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi have also been give one of two mandated rest weeks.
Others, though, are formed decisions.
Stephen Perofeta's anticipated promotion at No 10 brings real promise, and Rieko Ioane's shift further in to second five-eighth to cover Williams' absence is a surprise move.
But it is the likes of Otago halfback Jonathan Ruru, Northland lock Josh Goodhue and North Harbour prop Mike Tamoaieta, somewhat of a cult figure, who could spark the Blues.
These players, awaiting their first starts, appreciate what it means to play at this level.
Umaga knows the Blues need to break the habit of inconsistency. He, like fans, is fed up with witnessing good one week, shoddy the next.
Change is required, and it's the new faces that could provide the missing urgency and desire.
"We've had to make some shifts to guys who have the energy and want to do those things," Umaga said. "We can't keep doing the same thing and expect a different result. It's also about our preparation collectively and individually.
"You can only listen to the words for so long before you see the actions behind it and that's what we're looking for. We want us to be able to absorb the pressure and live in those moments and that's a big shift we need to make."
In Perofeta the Blues have a talented playmaker, if given the right platform, capable of creating a number of attacking chances. While in the infancy of his development, having turned 21 two weeks ago, his footwork, vision and ability to challenge the line excites many astute observers.
Two cameos off the bench in his comeback from a broken hand were enough to convince his time to run the cutter is now.
"We believe he deserves a start so it's about time we have a look."
Ioane's shift closer to the action caught most off-guard.
Devastating on the left wing for the All Blacks, Ioane slotted in at centre for the Blues in the last two matches but now finds himself in the unfamiliar No 12 jersey. His new midfield combination with George Moala appeals from an attacking and size perspective, but accurate distribution is equally important.
"We've been training him there for the last three or four weeks because of the skills he has. He's got a very good pass; he's a good communicator, defender and he wants to play in the midfield," Umaga said of Ioane.
"We've talked through the role and what it consists. It's not just something that's started this week. He loves a challenge and it's a good one for him."
The Sharks arrive with one win from five games and on the back of 46-14 pasting from the Rebels in Melbourne last week. In short, they must be put away.
"We've got nothing to stand on in terms of battering anyone. We know they're hurt and they're looking at us as the wounded duck over here. We say our home base means a lot and now we've got to show it."
Blues:
1. Pauliasi Manu, 2. James Parsons ©, 3. Mike Tamoaieta, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu, 5. Josh Goodhue, 6. Jerome Kaino, 7. Murphy Taramai, 8. Akira Ioane; 9. Jonathan Ruru, 10. Stephen Perofeta, 11. Melani Nanai, 12. Rieko Ioane, 13. George Moala, 14. Jordan Trainor,15. Michael Collins.
Reserves: 16. Leni Apisai, 17. Ross Wright, 18. Sione Mafileo, 19. Jimmy Tupou, 20. Kara Pryor, 21. Sam Nock, 22. Bryn Gatland, 23. TJ Faiane
