KEY POINTS:
Isaia Toeava struggled with his confidence the last time he played in South Africa.
When he was called into the Pretoria test early as an injury replacement for Leon MacDonald last season, Toeava's handling and self-belief let him down in a repeat of his Bledisloe Cup form at
Eden Park.
After Pretoria, the All Black selectors called time on their special project, and since then Toeava has been working his way back into favour through the national provincial championship and the Super 14.
His consistency in the Blues' resurgence has once more pushed him into World Cup focus. For much of the season, certainly in dry conditions, he has been impressive, although handling lapses have reappeared. Like his teammates, he was not in command of last week's game with the Sharks.
The match tomorrow at Newlands against the Stormers offers a remedial stage for centre Toeava and the Blues.
The Stormers will seek to repeat the physical template set by the Sharks - setpiece strength, aggressive defence, a strong kick-chase game, a dash of roughhouse niggle and some invention where possible.
The Stormers have some fine individual players, but like the Blues of recent seasons have been unable to discover the cohesion necessary to promote consistent results.
They are out of the semifinal race, but have picked fiery flanker Schalk Burger, before he rests for Springbok duties, in a bid to derail the Blues and help the Sharks' semifinal chances.
Blues coach David Nucifora has changed half his side as he looks to staunch his squad's halfback, fullback and tactical kicking problems.
All four of his reconditioned All Blacks start for the first time, and John Afoa, Daniel Braid and Jerome Kaino are left as those who have played every game.
"We've had a big week. Last week's hard game, followed by the substantial travel to get here, mean I need to put some fresh bodies on the field," Nucifora said.
"Right from the start, the Blues' season has been about squad performance. I have full confidence in all our players to deliver what's expected of them."
In midfield that means Toeava's explosive carries and Sam Tuitupou's aggression in what should be a compelling duel with the experience of De Wet Barry and Jean de Villiers.
More anxiety will sit with the Blues. They have to show they have overcome the indiscipline and naivety which cost them last week in Albany. They need a victory to restore momentum before the Bulls next week.
The selection of David Holwell suggests the Blues will play a smarter territorial match until they feel it is suitable to unleash their close-quarter offloading attack.
While the Blues are still favoured semifinalists, their hopes of hosting a playoff game rest on the results of their difficult overseas trip. Results have not favoured New Zealand sides in South Africa this series - the Crusaders are the only side with a victory.
