Rugby: Kara Pryor returns to Blues starting lineup

Kara Pryor gets his first start of the 2018 Super Rugby season as the Blues take on the Chiefs in Hamilton tomorrow night. PHOTO/PHOTOSPORT.NZ

Kara Pryor earns a start as the Blues look for revenge and redemption when they take on the Chiefs in the "battle of the Bombays".

Northland's Pryor was among a raft of substitutions after their 63-40 loss to the Sharks, a defeat that has their season on the cusp of playoff elimination after just five games.

All Blacks Matt Duffie and Ofa Tu'ungafasi also return while Jonathan Ruru comes into the starting lineup at the expense of Northland's Sam Nock.

Josh Goodhue has earned another start after impressing in a strong performance against the Sharks while fellow Taniwha Jordan Hyland has been bracketed with Duffie on the right wing, meaning he is a chance of making his debut.

Hooker Matt Moulds makes his return via the bench with Nock and Ross Wright joining him on the pine.

Coach Tana Umaga will be desperate for a change in fortunes after an ill-disciplined effort against the Sharks.

Of the loss, he said they could take a lot out of it but there's a lot of room to improve.

"We've still got 11 rounds of footy to get through.

"Obviously it's an embarrassing one for us. We prepared well and I think you can say the effort was there, it's just the polish on our effort and getting the rewards for that effort they're putting in.

"We've got to get it right, but it's within us. I have total faith in that.

"This competition is unforgiving. It's never-ending. Everyone has got a point to prove and we're no different. We know we can score points, but it's how we stop them. We've got to focus on that this week."

TJ Faiane comes into the midfield as they shift Rieko Ioane into centre and George Moala on to the wing.

The Blues will be wary of the danger the Chiefs present. The Waikato franchise have surprised in the early stages of the competition with four wins out of five.

They'll also have to overcome a decidedly poor local derby record. The Blues haven't beaten a New Zealand side since the opening round in 2016. That's 15 straight local derbies without taking home the four points.

However 10 of those matches have been decided by seven or less points.

The Blues were edged 21-26 by the Chiefs in their second-round clash earlier in the season.

Umaga said their team defence was a major issue last week but it has been their big focus heading into the clash.

"We let ourselves down with our team defence. The boys all realise that and have come in this week with a determined attitude. Last year we were developing into a strong team defensive unit and we must get back to that level.

"We want to be solid and aggressive in our team defence and in the contact areas and show more patience with the ball. Our aim is to improve our performances every week from here in which is a challenge to the squad individually and collectively as a team."

The match kicks off at Waikato Stadium at 7.35pm.

Blues: Michael Collins, Matt Duffie/Jordan Hyland, Rieko Ioane, TJ Faiane, George Moala, Stephen Perofeta, Jonathan Ruru, Akira Ioane, Kara Pryor, Jerome Kaino, Josh Goodhue, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, James Parsons (c), Pauliasi Manu. Reserves: Matt Moulds, Ross Wright, Mike Tamoaieta, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Dalton Papalii, Sam Nock, Bryn Gatland, Orbyn Leger.