Acting Hurricanes captain Billy Proctor led the Hurricanes to a weekend win over the Waratahs and said the team was excited about the top-of-the-table clash.
"It's always fun playing the Blues and you want to play exciting, or tough, games. When you have good opposition you always want to play those games."
Proctor was disappointed that All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane would be out of the game due to a head knock during the Blues' win over the Rebels.
"It's unfortunate for him that he took a head knock and it didn't look too great, but they have more than capable players able to jump in instead of him because of the depth in their team, especially their backs."
Proctor said he enjoyed the captaincy role, although it was a surprise when he was appointed.
It did cause him to see things differently on the field.
"The huddles are on you, but I leaned on the boys, especially our leaders. They were happy to help, and the experience on our bench was stepping up at all those meetings and when I needed them to.
"I wouldn't say it was easy, but there wasn't too much pressure or difference to a normal week."
Proctor was happy with the team's response to their loss and the challenges coach Clark Laidlaw gave them before the game.
"We applied them, especially in that first 20 minutes, which got us out to an awesome lead, and there's still room for improvement."
He is happy with his form this season, and it was nice getting consistent minutes. But the whole team was playing well with a forward pack that was going forward and winning set pieces.
"It helps when the boys around you go good, and I just try and do my part, and that's getting wins for our team.
"The coaches are doing an awesome job and putting us in the right spots and the game plans they've been giving us have been working. They've done their review and preview on the opportunities which makes it easier for us because we just go out there and it's easy to apply and make everyone better around you."