"It's been a pretty tough season and we're just looking for a really good performance to turn things around," West said.
"Reducing missed tackles has been a huge work-on for us as there have been far too many. On attack, we need to look after the ball more so we can build more pressure."
The Blues pivot, who has scored 511 points in first-class action for the Bay to date pointed out that, while unbeaten Canterbury were a class outfit on Sunday, it was still disappointing to lose in the manner the Magpies did.
"It wasn't the performance our Hawke's Bay teams are used to."
While West already has a Blues contract for next year, he said making the Maori All Black team for the end-of-year trip to Chicago is his main goal for the year.
"I was pretty disappointed when I missed out on the Maori team last year.
"Hopefully, if I can play well for the Magpies and help turn our season around, that will help my chances," he said.
Studying the Stags has kept the Magpies busy while they have been Christchurch-based for the past three days. West said they were always tough at home.
"Traditionally their forwards are always tough but this season their backs have been quite creative. We've done a bit of homework so hopefully we can nullify that."
As expected, changes - eight to be exact - have been made to the Magpies' starting XV used in Sunday's 63-7 loss to Canterbury in Christchurch.
Captain and hooker Ash Dixon replaces Ricky Riccitelli who returns to the loosehead prop, where he has functioned admirably, as a replacement for Tolu Fahamokioa.
Trent Boswell-Wakefield, who was rested for the Christchurch match, replaces Mark Abbott at blindside flanker. Abbott returns to his regular locking role and replaces former All Black lock Ross Filipo.
Former Samoa Sevens captain Fa'alemiga Selesele replaces Marino Mikaele-Tu'u at No8.
In the backline, Brad Weber replaces Ellery Wilson at halfback, Robbie Fruean is in for Jonah Lowe at centre and Lowe replaces Ryan Tongia on the right wing.
Fruean had earlier played on the wing this season but Magpies head coach Craig Philpott said Fruean had regained full fitness and was ready for as much work as possible in his regular position.
Changes to the subs bench see Jorian Tangaere replace Dixon, Fahamokioa replace Mason Kean, Filipo replace Selesele and Tongia replace Shannan Chase.
Matt Garland earned another start at fullback after displaying plenty of enthusiasm against the Cantabs. He made the most carries for the Magpies with 13 and gained the most metres with 50.
Riccitelli made 12 carries for Bay and, along with Abbott, was the best of the Bay defenders with 14 tackles.
If the Magpies are to record their first win of the season against the Stags, who are also winless, major improvement is required in three key areas.
The missed tackle count of 42 needs to be cut in half, seven lost lineouts were too many and considering the Magpies didn't have much possession, 15 conceded turnovers were also too many.
As West said, it is crucial the Magpies retain possession for longer periods so they can build more pressure.
The teams:
Hawke's Bay Magpies: Matt Garland, Jonah Lowe, Robbie Fruean, Tiaan Falcon, Mason Emerson, Ihaia West, Brad Weber, Fa'alemiga Selesele, Tony Lamborn, Trent Boswell-Wakefield, Mark Abbott, Geoff Cridge, Ben May, Ash Dixon, Ricky Riccitelli. Substitutes, forwards, Jorian Tangaere, Jason Long, Tolu Fahamokioa, Ross Filipo, Ben Hamelink. backs, Chris Eaton, Billy Ropiha, Ryan Tongia.
Southland Stags: (to be announced later today)
