The two-test All Black has been in charge of the team this week while head coach Craig Philpott has been in Christchurch for the funeral of his brother, David, who died last week.
"These boys are trying pretty hard but are not quite nailing their defensive work. On attack we are scoring tries, beating players and setting things up quite nicely," Lee explained.
"Most of these boys are Hawke's Bay born and bred players. They are proud Hawke's Bay boys who love playing for the jersey and I love working with them."
In the only change to his backline Lee has replaced one-test All Black halfback Brad Weber with 32-year-old centurion Chris Eaton.
Lee said Eaton's fitness had improved each week since returning from injury and he had put his hand up each time he had come off the bench.
"We're looking to Chris to secure our first channel on defence a bit more with his gutsy defensive work. Brad is a quality player who has come off a big season with the Chiefs. He has got a little fatigued and the games haven't quite gone his way in recent weeks. While we are giving him a little bit of a break we know he will provide classy impact.
"We know he will be chomping at the bit when he comes off the bench ... he will provide excitement and spark."
In the only other change to the starting XV used in last weekend's 36-29 loss to Tasman Tolu Fahamokioa has replaced Ricky Riccitelli at loosehead prop.
"Like Chris Tolu has put his hand up when he has come off the bench. He is dynamic with the ball in hand and we want to see plenty of those carries against the Turbos," Lee said.
Riccitelli, who has recovered from a shoulder injury collected against the Makos, has replaced Jason Long on the pine.
Other changes to the subs bench see Mason Kean replace Fahamokioa and Weber replace Eaton.
In his team talk yesterday Lee stressed how much the Magpies owe the Turbos, a team they haven't beaten since 2013.
He also reminded the troops about the embarrassing 59-0 and 54-17 losses to the Turbos in pre-season outings this year.
"We owe it to ourselves to be better ... to produce something the province can be proud of."
During previous seasons the Magpies have travelled to Palmerston North on the day before the match.
This weekend they will try a different approach and will have their clarity run in Napier today and bus to Palmy in the morning.
Needless to say those fickle Magpies fans will be hoping it's a change for the better. The Turbos proved with their 19-13 win against Canterbury on September 17 how tough they can be at home in front of their Bucket Heads.
This is the first of three must-win games in the Magpies' quest to avoid relegation from the Premiership.
After tomorrow night's match the Magpies have an away assignment against Waikato on October 8 before hosting Bay of Plenty in their final outing of the season at Napier's McLean Park on October 15.
It's crucial the Magpies start well and avoid having to recover from a 31-8 deficit as was the case in the loss to the Makos. If there is a decent turnout of Magpies fans, if some go to Palmy after the final day of the Ross Shield tournament in Dannevirke today, there's no reason why the Magpies shouldn't start well after five days of prep at home.
The Magpies team is:
Matt Garland, Jonah Lowe, Robbie Fruean, Tiaan Falcon, Mason Emerson, Ihaia West, Chris Eaton, Fa'alemiga Selesele, Tony Lamborn, Trent Boswell-Wakefield, Mark Abbott, Geoff Cridge, Ben May, Ash Dixon (c), Tolu Fahamokioa.
Substitutes, forwards: Jorian Tangaere, Ricky Riccitelli, Mason Kean, Ross Filipo, Ben Hamelink.
Backs: Brad Weber, Billy Ropiha, Ryan Tongia.
